CAF Confederation Cup: Second preliminary round draw throws up heavyweight ties

The second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup has produced several intriguing ties, with some of Africa’s biggest clubs set to begin their campaigns against a number of ambitious challengers.

Egyptian side ZED FC will face Tanzania’s Azam, while Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya have been drawn against Ethiopia’s Welwalo Adigrat.

South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs will meet Zambia’s Red Arrows in one of the most eye-catching ties, while Raja Casablanca of Morocco will take on Nigeria’s El Kanemi.

Moroccan giants AS FAR will face Ivorian club Korhogo, with USM Alger awaiting the winners of the preliminary-round tie between Panthers and ASPAC.

Another North African heavyweight, CR Belouizdad of Algeria, will face either Douanes or Hafia.

The draw has also produced an all-East African contest between Kenya’s Tusker and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.

Ugandan club Kitara have been handed a difficult assignment against Al Ahly, while Ivory Coast’s Academie de FAD will meet Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Elsewhere, Diarra of Mali will play Togo’s Kara, while Tunisia’s Zarzis have been paired with Real Bamako.

Angolan side Kabuscorp will face AS Maniema of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Rayon Sports of Rwanda will take on Mozambique’s Black Bulls.

Durban City of South Africa will meet Port Louis of Mauritius, while the winners of Virunga and Bazar Brothers will face Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto.

The second preliminary round will determine the teams that advance further in the Confederation Cup, Africa’s second-tier club competition.

With several established continental sides involved, the ties are expected to provide a stern test for the less experienced clubs as they pursue a place in the group stage.

The full list of confirmed fixtures is:

• Kitara v Al Ahly
• ZED FC v Azam
• Welwalo Adigrat v Al Ahli Tripoli
• Tusker v Singida Black Stars
• Academie de FAD v CS Sfaxien
• Diarra v Kara
• Zarzis v Real Bamako
• Kabuscorp v AS Maniema
• Red Arrows v Kaizer Chiefs
• Durban City v Port Louis
• Rayon Sports v Black Bulls
• Douanes or Hafia v CR Belouizdad
• Korhogo v AS FAR
• Panthers or ASPAC v USM Alger
• El Kanemi v Raja Casablanca
• Virunga or Bazar Brothers v Primeiro de Agosto

The fixtures will be played over two legs, with the aggregate winners progressing to the next stage of the competition.