Zamalek SC and Horoya AC headline CAF Champions League preliminary-round ties

The CAF Champions League returns on Friday, 4 September 2026, with the first legs of the opening preliminary round, as clubs across Africa begin their bids to reach the group stage.

Among the leading sides in action are Egyptian club Zamalek SC, who start their campaign away against AS du Port / TACO, and Horoya AC, who travel to face JS Saoura in one of the day’s most anticipated fixtures.

The opening round marks the start of a new continental campaign for a series of established clubs and ambitious outsiders. All will be seeking an advantage in the first leg before the return matches take place the following week.

Zamalek SC will begin their route to the group stage on the road against AS du Port / TACO. The Egyptian club are one of the biggest names involved on Friday and will be aiming to put themselves in a strong position before the second meeting.

Another prominent tie sees Algeria’s JS Saoura face Guinean side Horoya AC. The fixture is regarded as a major contest on the Maghreb football scene and is expected to be one of the standout matches of the opening preliminary-round schedule.

The first round of matches sets the tone for a busy weekend of CAF Champions League football across the continent. With the ties being played over two legs, the outcome of Friday’s games will shape the teams’ prospects ahead of next week’s decisive return fixtures.

Every away goal will carry significant weight before the second legs, increasing the importance of the first encounters for both the more established clubs and the sides looking to make an impression in this season’s competition.

All times are GMT.

Friday’s CAF Champions League fixtures

– 17:00 AL Swehly SC v KVZ FC – 17:00 AS du Port / TACO v Zamalek SC – 18:00 JS Saoura v Horoya AC

The preliminary-round first legs provide the first opportunity for these teams to gain momentum in the competition. Zamalek SC, JS Saoura, Horoya AC and the other clubs involved will be looking to finish the opening stage with a result that gives them an advantage when the return matches are played the following week.