Eight-time African champions Al Ahly launched their 2015 continental campaign with a 2-0 away win against APR in Rwanda on Saturday, in the round of 32 of the CAF Champions League.

Two unanswered second half goals from veteran striker Emed Meteb and winger Walid Soliman confirmed the Egyptian giants’ status of hot favourites to progress to the next round ahead of the return leg in Cairo in a fortnight.

After a goalless first half, Meteb put the visitors ahead in the 65th minute, with substitute Walid Soliman sealing the win six minutes from time.

Knocked-out in the round of 16 of last year’s edition of Africa’s foremost clubs competition by Al Ahly Benghazi, to however become the first Egyptian side to claim the CAF Confederation Cup, the Red Devils will be eager to renew their glory days in the prestigious tournament and extend their record to nine titles.

AL AHLY STARTING LINEUP

Sherif Ekramy, Hussein El-Sayed, Saad Samir, Mohamed Naguib, Bassem Aly, Hossam Ghaly, Hossam Ashour, Abdallah El-Saied (Saladdin Said 86′), Momen Zakarya (Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ 60′), Emad Meteb, Peter Ebimobowei (Walid Soliman 46′)

APR XI: Kwizera, Rusheshangoga, Bayisenge, Nshutiyamagara, Ngabonziza, Mugiraneza, Mukunzi, Iradukunda,Iranzi,Ndahinduka, Bigirimana