CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | AIGLES DU CONGO vs APR FC APR FC MISSION ACCEPTED

APR FC Set for Crucial CAF Champions League First-Leg Clash in Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi, DR Congo September 5, 2026

Rwanda champions APR FC are set to face Democratic Republic of Congo side Les Aigles du Congo in the first leg of the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

The highly anticipated encounter will take place on Sunday, September 6, at 3:00 PM local time at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium in Lubumbashi. The match is officially scheduled by CAF as part of the opening preliminary round of the competition.

APR FC to travel by private jet

APR FC are expected to travel to Lubumbashi by a private jet, with reports indicating that the Rwandan champions will arrive early on Sunday morning, just hours before kick-off.

According to a report by ACP, APR FC are expected to land in Lubumbashi at around 4:00 AM, before preparing for the afternoon encounter and returning to Kigali after the match.

The unusual travel schedule adds another layer of interest to a match that already carries significant importance for both clubs.

Aigles du Congo ready for home support

Les Aigles du Congo have already arrived in Lubumbashi and are preparing to take advantage of home support.

The Congolese club will be hoping for a strong crowd at Kibassa Maliba Stadium as they look to secure an advantage before the return leg in Rwanda.

CAF confirmed Lubumbashi as the venue after the original arrangements surrounding the match were changed. APR FC had requested a change of venue, citing security and health concerns, but the request was rejected and the match remained in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Beninese referees appointed

CAF has appointed a Beninese refereeing team to handle the encounter.

Adissa Abdul Raphiou Ligali will be the centre referee, assisted by compatriots Salim Alao and Eric Ayimavo Ayamr Ulrich. Hans Romuald Yazid Bassadin has been appointed as the fourth official.

Other match officials include Yacoub Ali Elmi of Djibouti as match commissioner, Bechir Hassan of Tunisia as refereeing instructor, and Almoustapha Mamane Idi of Niger as security officer.

A huge test for APR FC

For APR FC, the objective will be clear: get a positive result away from home and take an advantage into the second leg in Kigali.

The first preliminary round is being played over two legs, with the first-leg matches scheduled between September 4 and 6, followed by the return fixtures from September 11 to 13.

The Rwandan champions will therefore need to remain disciplined and focused in Lubumbashi, knowing that every goal could prove decisive in the race for qualification.

Aigles du Congo 🇨🇩 vs APR FC 🇷🇼
📍 Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium, Lubumbashi
📅 Sunday, September 6, 2026
⏰ 15:00 local time / 14:00 GMT
🏆 CAF Champions League – First Preliminary Round, First Leg