CAF Champions League: Aigle Noir set to face Al Ahly in second preliminary round after edging ASAS

Burundi Premier League champions Aigle Noir C.S have booked a historic tie against African giants Al Ahly in the second qualifying round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Aigle Noir advanced from the preliminary stage after edging Djibouti’s ASAS on the away goals rule, with the tie ending 1-1 on aggregate. It will be their first time reaching this stage of the competition.

The Burundian side will host record 11-time champions Al Ahly at the newly renovated National Stadium in Bujumbura next month before travelling to Cairo for the decisive return leg.

Elsewhere, Tanzania’s Simba SC, who eliminated Gaborone United of Botswana 2-1 on aggregate, will face Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs, who progressed with a 3-0 aggregate win over Simba Bhora of Zimbabwe.

Kenya Police FC also advanced on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw with Mogadishu City FC despite losing the return leg 2-0. They now face a stern test against Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC, who defeated South Sudan’s Jamus SC 1-0 in Zanzibar after a goalless first leg.

Tanzania’s Young Africans SC, who cruised past Wiliete FC 3-0 on aggregate, will meet Malawi’s Silver Strikers, while Ugandan champions Vipers SC prepare for a clash with Zambia’s Power Dynamos. The Zambian side stunned ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast, advancing via penalties after a 1-1 draw over two legs.

Ethiopian Insurance FC, who saw off Zanzibar’s Mlandege SC 4-3 on aggregate, await the winner of the tie between Rwanda’s APR FC and defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt. APR will host the Egyptians in Kigali on October 1.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s El Merreikh suffered a setback in their campaign after falling 1-0 to DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the first leg of their preliminary tie.