APR FC head coach Abderrahim Taleb has boldly declared his intention to eradicate Egyptian giants Zamalek SC when the 2 sides meet within the second preliminary spherical of the CAF Champions League.
The Rwandan champions overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a commanding 3-0 victory over Aigles du Congo at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, September 11, advancing 3-1 on mixture.
They’ll now face Zamalek, who booked their place within the subsequent spherical with a 6-1 mixture victory over Djibouti’s AS Port.
ALSO READ: APR thrash Les Aigles du Congo to achieve last spherical of CAF Champions League qualifiers
Talking concerning the October showdown, Taleb expressed confidence that APR can prolong their continental marketing campaign.
“We respect each opponent, however our goal is obvious. If we meet Zamalek, we’ll go there to eradicate them. We aren’t afraid of any crew as a result of we consider in our high quality, our work and our ambition,” Taleb mentioned after the match.
Taleb additionally highlighted the collective power of his squad after APR secured qualification with out Ugandan midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda, who was suspended after being despatched off within the first leg towards Aigles du Congo in Lubumbashi.
“Soccer is concerning the collective. We missed some vital gamers like Ssekiganda, however those that stepped onto the pitch did a superb job. This crew has depth, and everybody is able to contribute when referred to as upon.”
The coach praised his gamers’ mentality, significantly their response after falling behind within the first leg.
“I used to be impressed by the way in which the gamers reacted. They remained calm, trusted the method and attacked with conviction. That mentality is what helped us flip the tie round.”
Whereas consideration in Rwanda has already turned to the prospect of dealing with Zamalek, Taleb mentioned his crew should concentrate on thorough preparation.
“Zamalek is a giant membership with an excellent historical past in African soccer, however historical past doesn’t win matches. Now we have our ambitions too. We need to attain the group stage and make APR proud. Whoever comes subsequent, we’ll put together severely and struggle for qualification.”
The encounter will revive certainly one of APR’s most memorable continental rivalries. The Rwandan champions famously eradicated Zamalek from the CAF Champions League in 2004, earlier than the Egyptian giants gained revenge by knocking APR out 4 years later.
For Taleb, nonetheless, the target is easy.
“We’re constructing one thing particular. The following spherical is one other alternative to show ourselves. Our goal is to achieve the group stage, and if defeating Zamalek is what it takes, then we’re prepared for that problem.”
Eliminating Zamalek would put APR inside attain of a historic milestone: reaching the CAF Champions League group stage for the primary time within the membership’s historical past.
