CAF Champions League: Egyptian sides win as preliminary round first legs conclude

The first legs of the second preliminary round of the 2026-2027 CAF Champions League took place from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October, with clubs competing for places in the group stage.

Several teams secured useful advantages before the return fixtures, which are scheduled to be played between 23 and 25 October. The meeting between 15 de Agosto and Simba SC will instead take place on Tuesday 20 October.

Friday 16 October

Egyptian clubs made a strong start away from home. Pyramids FC defeated El Merriekh SC Bentiu 1-0, while Zamalek recorded the same scoreline against APR FC.

Both sides will take a narrow lead into their second-leg matches after winning without conceding.

Saturday 17 October

Young Africans produced one of the weekend’s biggest victories, winning 4-0 away to CFFA of Madagascar.

Orlando Pirates also claimed an away success, beating African Stars 1-0. TP Mazembe and Club Africain played out a 1-1 draw, leaving their tie evenly balanced ahead of the return match.

There were home wins for RS Berkane and FC San Pedro. RS Berkane beat Star Sport Academy 2-0, while FC San Pedro overcame FC Nouadhibou 2-1.

Sunday 18 October

Rangers International opened up a two-goal advantage over MC Alger with a 2-0 win. Scottland FC secured an identical result against Petro Atletico.

Al Hilal also took control of its tie by winning 2-0 at Sidama Bunna, while reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Wiliete SC.

Horoya AC earned a 1-0 victory over Al Merrikh, and Colombe Sportive won 2-0 away to Teungueth FC.

Esperance de Tunis suffered one of the round’s surprise results, losing 1-0 in Libya to Swehly SC. ASEC Mimosas, meanwhile, came from behind to draw 1-1 with MAS de Fes after Bamba Souhalio scored a late equaliser.

The return matches from the second preliminary round will be played from 23 to 25 October, with the 15 de Agosto-Simba SC tie following on Tuesday 20 October.