Zamalek left it late to secure a hard-fought victory against APR FC at the Amahoro Stadium, clinching the match in the 90th minute.

Throughout the game, both teams created chances, but it looked like they might settle for a goalless draw.

Just two minutes before their breakthrough, Zamalek believed they had taken the lead, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside.

Undeterred, the Egyptian side kept up the pressure and were ultimately rewarded in the dying moments when Mansi, who had come on as a substitute, scored from inside the penalty area.

Nasser Mansy received a well-timed pass from Isho and calmly slotted the ball past the APR goalkeeper, sealing the win. This crucial triumph gives Zamalek a slight edge going into the second leg in Cairo, where they will aim to secure their place in the group stage.

Zamalek reached this point after an impressive 6-1 aggregate victory over AS Port from Djibouti in the First Preliminary Round. Meanwhile, APR FC advanced to this stage by overcoming Aigles du Congo with a 3-1 aggregate win, bouncing back with a decisive 3-0 victory at home after losing the first leg.

The Rwandan champions now find themselves needing a win in Egypt to keep their continental aspirations alive.