The first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round reaches its climax this Sunday, with 12 matches scheduled across Africa. Following the opening fixtures on Friday and Saturday, this final batch of games promises to deliver excitement, high stakes, and early indications of which clubs may advance to the next round.
Tunisia’s Club Africain will host Ivory Coast’s AS Tanda in what is expected to be a closely contested encounter. The Tunisian side, with the advantage of playing at home, will be looking to secure a positive result against their Ivorian visitors and build momentum ahead of the return leg. Meanwhile, Ashanti Gold of Ghana faces Algerian newcomers MO Béjaïa. Both sides have ambitions of progressing, with Ashanti Gold relying on home support and MO Béjaïa seeking to make an impression in their first African Champions League outing.
In other fixtures, Chad’s AS Coton hosts Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas. This clash pits an experienced continental competitor against a developing side, promising an interesting tactical battle. Comoros’ Moroni Volcano will welcome South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, a side with a strong continental pedigree, to the island nation. The match is expected to be challenging for the home team, who will aim to contain the attacking prowess of the visitors.
Mbabane Swallows of Swaziland face Rwanda’s APR FC, while Mali’s Eleven Créateurs hosts Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya. Both matches offer evenly matched contests, where small margins could determine the outcome and influence the trajectory of the ties ahead. Lesotho’s Lioli FC will play against Burundi’s Vital’O FC, and Ethiopia’s St George faces Seychelles’ Saint Michel. These fixtures provide opportunities for lesser-known clubs to gain recognition on the continental stage and secure vital away goals.
Nigeria’s Warri Wolves travel to Cape Verde to take on Club de Sporting Praia, while Liberia’s Nimba United hosts Cameroon’s US Douala. Both games feature clubs eager to assert themselves and demonstrate their competitiveness in Africa’s premier club competition. Meanwhile, Moroccan side WAC Casablanca hosts Niger’s AS Douanes, and Zambia’s Zesco United travels to South Sudan to face Al Ghazala Wau. Both matches could be decisive in determining which clubs enter the second leg with a clear advantage.
With 12 matches spread across different regions, Sunday promises to be a decisive day for the CAF Champions League preliminary round. Home teams will be eager to capitalize on their familiar surroundings, while visiting clubs will aim to claim crucial away results that could shape their path to the next stage.
As the first leg concludes, fans across Africa will be closely following the outcomes, which will set the stage for return legs and ultimately decide which clubs advance to the group stages. With a combination of established champions, ambitious newcomers, and a mix of tactical approaches, Sunday’s fixtures encapsulate the intensity and unpredictability that define African club football.
