CAF Champions League: Five standout play-off final qualifications

The CAF Champions League play-off semi-finals produced a weekend of contrasting drama, from a tense penalty shoot-out and emphatic attacking displays to a late fightback and a hard-fought away draw. Here are the five qualifications that stood out across the continent.

Colombe Sportive edge Stade Malien on penalties

Neither Colombe Sportive nor Stade Malien could find a breakthrough across 180 minutes, with both sides prioritising organisation and refusing to take unnecessary risks in a tie shaped by the importance of qualification.

The Cameroonian side eventually prevailed 4-3 on penalties, securing a hard-earned place in the final round. Their progress owed much to the defensive resilience they showed throughout the two legs against a determined Stade Malien team.

Colombe Sportive will face Senegalese club Teungueth FC in the next stage.

ASEC Mimosas hold off ASC Kara

Following a level first leg, ASEC Mimosas knew they needed to improve in front of their home supporters to complete the job. The Ivorian side were made to work for their qualification as ASC Kara continued to threaten and remained competitive until the end.

ASEC won the second leg 2-1, with Junior Sou scoring twice from the penalty spot. That result gave them a narrow 3-2 aggregate victory and underlined the Abidjan club’s ambition to return to the top level of African football.

Their next opponents will be Maghreb de Fes.

Simba SC deliver the weekend’s biggest victory

Simba SC produced the most emphatic performance of the round. After winning the first leg 1-0, the Tanzanian club removed any remaining doubt in the return match by overwhelming a Mighty Wanderers side that struggled to cope.

The 6-1 scoreline reflected Simba SC’s attacking dominance. Clatous Chama and Libasse Gueye both scored twice, taking the aggregate result to a decisive 7-1.

The scale of the victory sent a strong indication of Simba SC’s ambitions this season as they moved into the final stage of the play-offs.

Club Africain survive Djoliba AC pressure

Club Africain travelled back from Mali with a 1-0 advantage and appeared well placed to manage the tie at home. Djoliba AC, however, refused to accept defeat and pushed hard for a turnaround in a closely contested match.

The Malian side secured a 2-2 draw, with Sadok Kadida and Taddeus Nkeng among the scorers. It was not enough to overturn Club Africain’s first-leg lead, as the Tunisian club progressed 3-2 on aggregate.

The qualification was secured under intense late pressure. In the play-off final, Club Africain will face TP Mazembe.

CFFA complete their task against Lijabatho

CFFA provided one of the weekend’s notable success stories. The Malagasy club established a strong foundation in the first leg, beating Lijabatho 2-0 at home.

They then showed composure away from home, drawing 1-1 after both goals arrived in second-half added time. The result gave CFFA a 3-1 aggregate victory and highlighted the progress of Malagasy football on the continental stage.

CFFA will meet Tanzanian side Young Africans in the play-off final.