The first legs of the CAF Champions League preliminary round delivered a mix of emphatic statements and nervy stalemates, setting the stage for a decisive weekend across Africa.
From crushing away wins to finely balanced ties, clubs now face do-or-die battles to secure passage to the next hurdle in October.
Heavyweights Take Control
Espérance showed their pedigree in Niamey, sweeping AS FAN aside with a 3-0 victory. Aboubacar Diakité struck twice in the second half to silence the home crowd, leaving the Tunisian champions in total command ahead of the return leg in Rades.
Their compatriots Monastir were just as ruthless, dismantling East End Lions 4-0 in Freetown with three late goals after dominating from the outset.
Nigeria’s Remo Stars delivered the round’s most eye-catching scoreline.
Goals from Lamine Ndenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adams Goïta and Seun Olasupo powered a 4-0 rout of Zilimadjou in Comoros.
The hosts will need a miracle in the second leg to overturn that margin.
Tanzania’s Young Africans also flexed their muscles, grabbing three unanswered away goals against Wiliete.
They return to Dar es Salaam backed by a capacity crowd at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with the tie all but wrapped up.
South Africa’s Orlando Pirates handled business against Lioli of Lesotho, winning 3-0 away to put themselves firmly in control.
Angolan giants Petro de Luanda mirrored that scoreline against Cercle de Joachim in Mauritius, using their experience to suffocate the game and strike at key moments.
Elsewhere, Stade d’Abidjan, Ethiopian Insurance and Kenya’s Police FC also carry slim but valuable leads into the weekend.
Ties Balanced on a Knife-Edge
Not every contest is settled. Zambia’s Dynamos cling to a narrow 1-0 advantage over ASEC Mimosas, with Innocent Kashita’s strike the only separation.
RS Berkane will lean on their experience against Kara in Morocco after a 0-0 stalemate. Though the Togolese side’s pace on the break keeps the outcome uncertain.
Ahly Tripoli and Dadjè also face a tense return leg after drawing 0-0 in Benin.
The Libyans count on home support, but Dadjè’s set-piece strength threatens to spoil the party.
The Road Ahead
Second legs run between September 26–28, with winners advancing to the second preliminary round in October.
Heavyweights such as Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns join at that stage, raising the stakes as the march toward the group phase of the CAF Champions League which begins on November 21.
