APR FC once again fell short in continental football after being eliminated by Egyptian side Pyramids FC with an aggregate score of 5–0 over two legs — a result that has reignited debate over whether Rwanda’s military-owned club can genuinely challenge Africa’s elite teams.
In the first leg played at Kigali Pelé Stadium on September 1, 2025, APR FC lost 2–0, with both goals scored by Congolese striker Fiston Mayele of Pyramids FC.
After the match, Mayele approached APR fans and gifted one of them his match-worn jersey — an act some interpreted as sportsmanship, while others saw it as a display of arrogance.
In the return leg held in Cairo on Sunday, things went from bad to worse for the Rwandan side. Mostafa Zico opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, just before halftime.
In the 61st minute, Mohamed El-Sheeb set up Ahmed Atef Qattah, who doubled the lead.
Only two minutes later, substitute Mohamed Hamdy scored a third with a powerful header, sealing APR’s fate. Goalkeeper Ishimwe Pierre faced criticism from fans for conceding soft goals, while the team also missed key players such as striker Daua Yussif — suspended after a red card in the first leg — and defender Mamadou Sy.
Match statistics underlined the gulf in class between the two sides: Pyramids FC dominated possession with 74% compared to APR’s 26%. Over the two legs, the Egyptian club scored five goals without conceding any.
The results have sparked renewed debate among Rwandan football followers, many questioning whether APR FC still deserves its reputation as a continental contender.
This is not the first time the two clubs have met — Pyramids FC also defeated APR in 2023 and 2024, and have now repeated the feat in 2025.
Analysts note that while APR FC enjoys strong institutional backing and financial stability, there remains a significant gap in player quality and tactical maturity.
Although football is often described as “a game where anything can happen,” reality shows that the Rwandan champions still have a long way to go to reach Africa’s top level.
Founded in 2008, Pyramids FC has rapidly risen to prominence thanks to heavy investment and the recruitment of high-profile players, whereas APR FC, established in 1993, continues to struggle to make its mark beyond regional competitions.
While defeat is part of football, for APR FC supporters this result is another reminder that their team’s ambition to become a true African powerhouse will require more than passion — it will demand deeper reforms in preparation, recruitment, and professional standards.
