Kaizer Chiefs, Raja face tough tests in CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers

Kaizer Chiefs, Raja Club Athletic and CS Sfaxien face crucial tests this weekend as the race for places in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup group stage reaches its decisive stage.

The three former champions are among the continent’s established clubs seeking to avoid early elimination when the second-leg matches of the second preliminary round take place from Friday to Sunday.

South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Zambia’s Red Arrows, while Morocco’s Raja host Nigeria’s El Kanemi Warriors after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.

Raja, two-time winners of the competition, will be hoping to use home advantage in Casablanca to secure qualification after being held in Nigeria.

Tunisia’s three-time champions CS Sfaxien also face a difficult assignment against Côte d’Ivoire’s Académie de Football Amadou Diallo. The sides drew 1-1 in Abidjan, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of Saturday’s return fixture.

Another Moroccan side, AS FAR, will host CO Korhogo on Sunday after the teams played out a goalless draw in the first leg.

Egyptian side ZED FC must also deliver away from home when they face Tanzania’s Azam FC on Saturday following a 1-1 draw in the opening encounter.

Their compatriots Al Ahly are in a stronger position, having secured a 2-1 advantage over Uganda’s Kitara FC ahead of Sunday’s return match.

While several high-profile teams face uncertain paths to qualification, others have put themselves in commanding positions.

Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli hold a 4-0 advantage over Ethiopia’s Welwalo Adigrat, while DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union are also firmly in control after winning their first leg 4-1 against Angola’s Kabuscorp.

Mozambique’s Black Bulls will look to complete the job against Rwanda’s Rayon Sports after recording a 2-0 away victory in the first leg.

Mali’s AS Real Bamako are similarly well placed to advance after beating Tunisia’s ES Zarzis 3-1.

Algeria’s USM Alger have already secured their place in the group stage following the withdrawal of Equatorial Guinea’s Panthers FC.

The remaining outstanding tie between Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and Mauritania’s AS Douanes is yet to be confirmed.

A total of 14 return fixtures are scheduled for this weekend, with the successful teams joining USM Alger in the 16-team group stage.

With continental ambitions on the line, the return matches will test the experience and resilience of the competing sides as they seek to move a step closer to the CAF Confederation Cup title.

CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round fixtures

Friday, 23 October

• Primeiro de Agosto vs DC Virunga
• Kaizer Chiefs vs Red Arrows
• Raja Club Athletic vs El Kanemi Warriors

Saturday, 24 October

• Azam FC vs ZED FC
• AS Real Bamako vs ES Zarzis
• Al Ahly Tripoli vs Welwalo Adigrat
• Black Bulls vs Rayon Sports
• CS Sfaxien vs Académie de Football Amadou Diallo

Sunday, 25 October

• AS Maniema Union vs Kabuscorp
• AS Port Louis 2000 vs Durban City
• ASKO de Kara vs FC Diarra
• Al Ahly vs Kitara FC
• Singida Black Stars vs Tusker FC
• AS FAR vs CO Korhogo

Already qualified: USM Alger (Algeria)

Outstanding tie: CR Belouizdad (Algeria) vs AS Douanes (Mauritania)