CAF confirms Lubumbashi venue for Congo‑APR Champions League clash

The La Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) confirmed on Thursday 27 August that the first‑leg of the Ligue des Champions CAF preliminary round between Les Aigles du Congo and Rwanda’s APR FC will take place on 6 September 2026 at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba stadium in Lubumbashi.

CAF rejected APR’s request to relocate the tie, citing the ongoing Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC). The governing body emphasized that health concerns must not compromise the integrity of the tournament.

The decision also reflects the lack of approval from the Confédération for the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, which does not meet international standards for such competitions, and underscores the need for venues that comply with the Confederation’s regulations. Without a certified stadium in Kinshasa, the match cannot be staged there under CAF’s current guidelines.

Consequently, the Rwandan club, chaired by Vidiye Tshimanga, must host its continental home leg in Lubumbashi, preserving Les Aigles du Congo’s advantage of playing before their national supporters. The move ensures that the home team retains the benefit of familiar conditions and local fan support.

The Kinshasa side will aim to secure a valuable result at the Kibassa Maliba venue before the return leg in Kigali, adding another chapter to the early stages of the Africa‑wide competition. APR will look to overturn the deficit when they travel to Kigali for the second leg.