CAF Champions League preliminary round fixtures set as clubs prepare for first-leg battles

The CAF Champions League preliminary round continues this weekend, with a full slate of first-leg encounters beginning on Friday, 19 September, across the continent.

The action follows Stade d’Abidjan’s commanding 2-0 win over Seychelles’ Côte d’Or FC earlier in the week, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense round of fixtures.

Horoya AC of Guinea are among the notable sides on the road, travelling to Benghazi International Stadium to take on Libyan giants Al-Hilal Benghazi.

Elsewhere, Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club are set for a challenging test against Kenya Police, while Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC welcome Gabon’s AS Mangasport in Ouagadougou.

Benin’s Dadje FC, forced to relocate their home tie, will host Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.

The same ground will also stage the clash between Togolese outfit ASCK and Morocco’s Renaissance Sportive Berkane, adding extra intrigue for local supporters.

Angola will be in the spotlight as the 11-November National Stadium stages the meeting between Tanzanian champions Young Africans and Wiliete SC.

From North Africa, Algeria’s two representatives face demanding assignments away from home: JS Kabylie visit Ghana’s Bibiani Gold Stars, while MC Alger head to Liberia to challenge FC Fassell. Tunisia’s ES Tunis, another continental heavyweight, travel to Niger to face Armed Forces FC.

The opening round has been spread across three days, giving fans from every region of Africa an opportunity to witness their clubs in action. Below is the confirmed schedule of matches:

Tuesday, 16 September

• Côte d’Or 0-2 Stade d’Abidjan

Friday, 19 September

• 14:00: Dadje FC v Al Ahli Tripoli

• 15:00: Wiliete Benguela v Young Africans

• 16:00: African Stars v Vipers SC

Saturday, 20 September

• 12:00: Ethiopian Insurance v Mlandege FC

• 13:00: Mogadishu CC v Kenya Police

• 13:00: Liioli v Orlando Pirates

• 13:00: Power Dynamos v ASEC Mimosas

• 14:00: Cercle Jachima v Atlético Petróleos

• 14:30: Jeunesse Sportive de Kinshasa v Rivers United

• 15:00: Bibiani Gold Stars v JS Kabylie

• 16:00: Rahimo FC v AS Mangasport

• 16:00: FC Fassell v MC Alger

• 17:00: Gaborone United v Simba SC

• 17:30: Al Hilal Benghazi v Horoya AC

Sunday, 21 September

• 10:00: Elgeco Plus v Silver Strikers

• 13:00: Jamus FC v Al Hilal

• 13:00: Black Eagle v ASAS

• 13:00: Colombe Sportive v ASC Jaraaf

• 14:00: Bata Foundation v FC Nouadhibou

• 14:00: AS Tempête v Stade Malien

• 14:30: Armed Forces v ES Tunis

• 14:30: AC Leopards v Black Bulls

• 15:00: East End Lions v US Monastirienne

• 15:00: ASCK v RS Berkane

• 15:00: Remo Stars v US Zilimadjou

• 18:00: Simba Bhora v Nsingizini Hotspurs

• 19:00: Real de Banjul v ASFAR

Saturday, 27 September

• 13:00: St Eloi Lupopo v El Merreikh

With 32 matches spread across multiple regions, the preliminary round will determine which clubs advance to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

From North to Southern Africa, the fixtures highlight the diversity and competitiveness of the Champions League, with heavyweights and debutants alike seeking a place among the continent’s elite.