The race for a place in the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage hits its decisive stage this weekend, with first-leg clashes of the Second Preliminary Round set for 17–19 October across Africa.
Africa’s biggest clubs now join the fray. Record champions Al Ahly kick off their campaign in Burundi against Aigle Noir. Whiles Remo Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns headline the round in a sizzling Nigeria–South Africa showdown.
In North Africa, JS Kabylie face US Monastir in an all-Maghreb battle, and Espérance de Tunis head to Burkina Faso to meet Rahimo FC. Petro Atlético travel to Côte d’Ivoire to test Stade d’Abidjan’s resolve.
Elsewhere, Young Africans meet Malawi’s Silver Strikers, and Orlando Pirates visit St Éloi Lupopo in the DRC. Kenya Police aim to shock Al Hilal Omdurman. While Mozambique’s Black Bulls clash with Rivers United.
Uganda’s Vipers host Zambia’s Power Dynamos, and Horoya AC meet FAR Rabat in a tight West–North African contest.
The ties involving defending champions Pyramids FC and RS Berkane are on hold as the two sides face off in the CAF Super Cup in Cairo this weekend.
The return legs take place from 24–26 October, with 16 teams advancing to the group stage starting in November.
