FC Les Aigles du Congo’s CAF Champions League second-leg clash in Rwanda has been thrown into uncertainty after a late administrative dispute prevented the Congolese club from travelling to Kigali as planned.
The Kinshasa-based side were scheduled to fly to Rwanda on Wednesday, carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, but their departure has been delayed because permission for their aircraft to land on Rwandan territory has not yet been secured.
The return fixture is scheduled for Friday at 18:00, leaving the Congolese delegation with limited time to resolve the issue and reach Rwanda ahead of kick-off.
The dispute centres on landing authorisation for the team’s aircraft, with local authorities reportedly requiring additional procedures because of health protocols related to Ebola virus disease.
The situation has caused frustration within the Aigles du Congo camp, with the club unable to confirm its travel arrangements despite the importance of the fixture.
The Congolese side secured a narrow advantage in the first leg and would normally be focused on protecting that lead in Kigali. Instead, preparations have been disrupted by an administrative issue beyond the sporting side’s control.
The delay has also raised concerns over the visitors’ readiness should the travel clearance eventually be granted. With the match less than 48 hours away, the team faces a race against time to travel, settle in and prepare for the decisive encounter.
Aigles du Congo now need the landing authorisation issue resolved before they can complete their journey to Rwanda.
The club’s 1-0 first-leg victory gives them the advantage in the tie, but the uncertainty surrounding their travel has complicated the build-up to what should have been a straightforward second leg.
Attention is therefore focused on whether the necessary clearance will be granted in time for the Congolese delegation to reach Kigali and fulfil Friday’s fixture.
Until the administrative dispute is resolved, the club’s participation in the second leg remains clouded by uncertainty, with Aigles du Congo facing an unexpected logistical challenge alongside their task of defending their first-leg lead.
