CAF Confederation Cup second round fixtures announced

The line-up for the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup has been confirmed, setting the stage for an intense series of encounters across the continent.

Following the conclusion of the final two preliminary matches yesterday, clubs from North, West, East and Southern Africa now know their opponents as they battle for a place in the group stages.

In one of the most anticipated fixtures, Kenya’s Nairobi United will host Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel, a club with a rich history of continental success.

Morocco’s OC Safi face a challenging tie against Stade Tunisien, another side with pedigree in African competition.

Elsewhere, Ivorian outfit AF Amadou Diallo meet reigning champions USM Alger, while Guinea’s Hafia FC prepare for a stern test against Algerian giants Chabab Riadhi Belouizdad.

In Ghana, Asante Kotoko welcome Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in what promises to be a heavyweight showdown.

Somalia’s Dekedda FC have drawn Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek, and in Libya, Al Ittihad will contest a highly competitive tie against fellow Egyptians Al Masry.

Burkina Faso’s US Forces Armées are set to face Mali’s Djoliba AC, while FC San Pedro of Ivory Coast take on Coton FC from Benin.

On the eastern front, KMKM of Zanzibar will meet Tanzania’s Azam FC, and Burundi’s Flambeau du Center clash with another Tanzanian side, Singida Black Stars.

Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto will be tested by South Africa’s Stellenbosch, and Zesco United of Zambia face Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy.

Mozambique’s Ferroviario Maputo will go up against AS Otoho d’Oyo from Congo, while two ties involving clubs from the Democratic Republic of Congo complete the round: AS Simba play South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, and AS Maniema meet Royal Leopards from Eswatini.

This draw signals the start of a crucial phase in Africa’s second-tier continental competition, with every club eyeing a place in the lucrative group stages.

The fixtures promise a blend of seasoned campaigners and ambitious newcomers, ensuring drama and high-stakes football as the Confederation Cup intensifies.

Fans across the continent will be closely following the action as traditional heavyweights and surprise packages alike attempt to carve their path to continental glory in the coming weeks.