Egyptian side Zamalek face a tough match away to Rwanda's APR

Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek both face tough away matches this weekend if they are to make the second round of the African Champions League.

Al Ahly, winners of a record eight Caf titles, have the biggest challenge ahead after they lost 1-0 at home to Al Hilal of Sudan in the first leg two weeks ago.

After decades of invincibility in their Cairo fortress, Al Ahly have been exposed in recent years but the loss to Al Hilal was a shock with the Egyptian club undergoing a revival since the return of Portuguese coach Manuel Jose.

Al Hilal themselves are seasoned continental campaigners, who reached the final of Africa's leading club competition in 1987 and 1992, and rarely lose at home so the odds are tilted against Ahly.

Egypt's other representatives in the competition are Zamalek and they could only manage only a 3-2 win at home over Rwandan army outfit APR, who exceeded expectations last year by reaching the African Cup Winners Cup semi-finals.

Zamalek will not be relishing a return to East Africa after their shock loss to Tanzania's Simba in the second round of the competition last year.

APR can call on many of the players who helped Rwanda reach the African Cup of Nations for the first time this year, with Olivier Karekezi a particular threat in attack.

Zanaco of Zambia also face a tough second leg after suffering a shock 1-0 home loss to Bakili Bullets from neighbouring Malawi, with Jimmy Zakazaka scoring the lone goal.

Malawi President Bakili Muluzi who financially backs the Bullets

Bullets are bankrolled by President Bakili Muluzi, who dreams of making Bullets the most powerful club in Africa, and is not shy when it comes to offering financial inducements.

Asec of the Ivory Coast were held 1-1 at home by Asante Kotoko of Ghana in a clash of former champions and home advantage makes the 'Porcupine Warriors' favourites to feature in the second round.

Reigning champions Enyimba brushed aside mediocre domestic form to beat Senegalese visitors Diaraf 3-0 and the return match should be a formality for the Nigerians.

Etoile Sahel of Tunisia take a 2-0 lead to Hassania Agadir of Morocco in the big North African, clash thanks to goals from Imed Mhadhebi and Karim Hagui and have the experience to survive.

Frist Round First Leg Fixtures:
(First leg scores in brackets)

Saturday 24 April:
Agadir (MOR) v Etoile Sahel (TUN) (0-2)
Bakili Bullets (MAW) v Zanaco (ZAM) (1-0)
Diaraf (SEN) v Enyimba (NGR, holders) (0-3)
SuperSport (RSA) v Port Louis (MRI) (1-1)
APR (RWA) v Zamalek (EGY) (3-2)
Vita (DRC) v Canon Yaounde (CMR) (0-3)
Petro Atletico (ANG) v Amazulu (ZIM) (0-0)
Yennenga (BUR) v USMA (ALG) (1-8)