Somalian side Gaadiidka FC caused a major upset as they held Rwandan giants APR FC to a 1-1 draw in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday.

Home side APR had the first chance to open the scoring in the 11th minute but Ally Kwitonda’s strike went off target. Gaadiidka used the pace of danger man Pentecost Obiechina to great effect as all the balls were directed at him. Fitina Omborenga could not control the Nigerian as he always went past him on the right flank.

The visitors looked so calm that they managed to cope with pressure from APR’s attackers in Victor Mbaoma and Bemol Apam Essongwe. And they responded when an occasion came their way. Obiechina switched flanks and was located with a superb ball. He couldn’t get full control, but APR keeper Pavelh Ndzila caused a howler which resulted in the goal.

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Ndzila went from his line to go as far as the corner flag to clear a harmless ball. His clearance fell to Nicholas Kagaba who curled the ball from 25 yards straight into the net in the 32nd minute. The second half saw APR lifting up their game and they scored the equaliser in the 47th minute through Victor Mbaoma. Right back Omborenga Fitina went on an overlapping run before crossing the ball to Mbaoma who fired home to make it 1-1.

Gaadiidka will use Kigali Pelé Stadium as their home ground when the teams face off in the second leg Thursday, August 24. The winner will face Egyptian side Pyramids in the next round.