Apr vs Zamalek SC Prediction

APR FC host Zamalek SC on 16 October 2026 at 19:00 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The Rwandan champions advanced from the opening round with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Aigles du Congo, winning the home leg 3-0. Zamalek, five-time African champions, defeated AS Port 4-0 at home after a 2-1 away win. Both clubs sit one tie away from the group stage, but APR's home form and attacking threat make this a more competitive fixture than continental pedigree alone suggests.

Form and H2H

APR have won eight of their last ten home matches, averaging 2.08 goals for and 1.28 against. Djibril Ouattara has been central to their recent success, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Aigles du Congo and twice more in a 4-2 domestic victory over Marine FC where APR trailed 2-0. A 3-0 friendly win over AS Muhanga on 10 October extended their attacking momentum. Midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda is suspended following a red card, while striker William Togui is expected to return from illness.

Zamalek won seven of their last ten away matches but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Al Ahly in their most recent competitive outing on 11 October. Abdallah El-Said scored a first-half hat-trick in their 4-0 home win over AS Port, but injuries to Oday Dabbagh, Adam Kaied, Amr Nasser, and Mohamed El Sayed have weakened the squad. The clubs have met six times in African competition. APR won 4-1 in Kigali in 2004, while Zamalek took both encounters in 2008.

Best bet

Over 2.5 goals. APR scored seven goals across their two most recent competitive home matches and have shown they can raise their level significantly at Amahoro Stadium, particularly when Ouattara finds space in attacking positions. Zamalek netted six goals in their qualifying round and possess technical quality in midfield to create chances through quick combinations. APR's attacking confidence, combined with Zamalek's personnel problems and recent defensive struggles against Al Ahly, suggests both teams have sufficient attacking potential to produce an entertaining encounter with multiple goals. Back Over 2.5 at 1xBet 1.46 or Melbet 1.48.

Odds to watch

Zamalek are favoured despite playing away. The White Knights offer value at 1xBet 1.46 or 1Win 1.46, reflecting their continental experience and technical midfield quality. APR's home advantage and recent form make them an interesting proposition at 1xBet 6.21 or Melbet 6.16. The draw at 1xBet 3.8 or 1Win 3.9 accounts for Zamalek's ability to control possession and APR's occasional defensive vulnerabilities when pushing forward.