CAF Confederation Cup: Chiefs, Kotoko and Zesco Face Do-or-Die Second Legs

The CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round reaches its boiling point this weekend, with decisive second-leg ties set to determine who moves closer to the group stage. 

After a chaotic opening round packed with upsets, late goals, and razor-thin margins, clubs across the continent now face 90 minutes that could define their seasons.

Chiefs Face the Heat, Kabuscorp Smell Blood

Kaizer Chiefs must dig deep after falling 1–0 to Kabuscorp in Angola. 

The South African giants carry the weight of expectation at home, but the visitors arrive with a plan to frustrate and counter. 

In Malawi, Mighty Wanderers hold a narrow lead thanks to Felix Zulu’s strike against Jwaneng Galaxy. 

The Botswanan side must attack early, though an away goal for Wanderers could flip the contest.

Congo’s Otohô delivered one of the standout first-leg wins, stunning Primeiro de Agosto 2–1 in Luanda. 

Compact and ruthless in transition, they return home with momentum and a priceless advantage.

Kotoko and Kwara Ready for Round Two

The tie of the round belongs to Kotoko and Kwara United. 

Their first-leg clash in Accra finished 4–3, a seven-goal thriller that left both defenses exposed. 

James Ablorh’s pace in behind remains Kotoko’s biggest weapon. While Kwara must shore up their rest defense to avoid another shootout.

Elsewhere, San Pedro grabbed a valuable 1–0 away win in Cameroon against Aigle Royal, with Kassi Théodore providing the difference. 

The return leg in Côte d’Ivoire forces Aigle to open up. A scenario that could play into San Pedro’s counterattacking strengths.

Old Names in Control

Guinea’s Hafia, three-time African champions, crushed Bhantal 3–0 in Sierra Leone and return home in full control. 

Stade Tunisien also look comfortable after a 2–0 win over SNIM, their midfield dominance suggesting another strong performance in Tunis.

East African Showdown Stays Tight

A 2–2 draw between NEC and Nairobi United in Kampala leaves everything to play for in Nairobi. 

NEC’s high press will again test the Kenyans, but the home crowd could tilt the balance. 

Zesco United, meanwhile, must overturn a 2–0 deficit against Libreville of Gabon, who built their win on a fast start and rock-solid defense.

What’s Next

The CAF Confederation Cup second-leg ties run between September 26–28. 

Victors progress to October’s second preliminary round, with the group stage kicking off on November 21.