CAF Champions League Prelims: Simba, Kenya Police, Monastir and Rivers United Advance

The opening round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League wrapped up on Sunday with East, West, and North African clubs battling their way into the second preliminary stage.

Simba Survive Gaborone Scare

Tanzanian giants Simba SC squeezed through despite a nervy night in Dar es Salaam. They were held 1–1 by Gaborone United but advanced 2–1 on aggregate.

Jean Carlos Ahoua gave the hosts the lead just before the break, only for Lebogang Ditsele to equalize from the spot midway through the second half. 

Gaborone piled on the pressure, yet Simba stood firm to keep their group-stage hopes alive.

Kenya Police Make History

In Nairobi, Kenya Police FC reached the second preliminary round for the first time. It wasn’t easy.

 Mogadishu City stunned the home crowd with goals from Marsis and Ibrahim Bangura, forcing a dramatic finale. 

The 2–0 win left the tie at 3–3, but Police squeezed through on away goals after their 3–1 victory in Somalia. 

Next up: either South Sudan’s Jamus FC or Sudanese heavyweights Al Hilal.

Monastir Too Strong for East End Lions

US Monastir of Tunisia cruised past Sierra Leone’s East End Lions with a 3–1 win, sealing a crushing 7–1 aggregate. 

Naude Zeguei and Haj Ali Moez struck inside seven minutes to end the contest early. Ali Conteh pulled one back after the break, but Alpha Kamara’s own goal restored the three-goal cushion. 

Monastir advance looking like one of the early favourites in this season’s CAF Champions League.

Hotspurs Stun Simba Bhora

Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs pulled off a dramatic upset against Simba Bhora of Zimbabwe. 

Nkosingiphile Shongwe struck in stoppage time to force penalties after a 1–0 win on the day leveled the tie at 1–1. 

In the shootout, the Hotspurs held their nerve, winning 4–2 to continue their fairytale run.

Rivers United Grind It Out

Nigeria’s Rivers United also made it through, edging Aigles du Congo 1–0 in Port Harcourt. 

Stephen Manyo pounced deep into first-half stoppage time, and the hosts controlled the second period to secure a 1–0 aggregate win.

Rahimo Hold Their Nerve in Gabon

In Franceville, Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC survived a tense shootout against AS Mangasport. After two goalless legs, penalties decided it.

 Rahimo converted four of their attempts while Mangasport faltered early, gifting the visitors a 4–2 win from the spot.