Nine CAF Confederation Cup ties set for Sunday as first-round race intensifies

The first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup continues on Sunday with nine matches, as the competing clubs seek an early advantage before next week’s return fixtures.

Among the day’s leading ties, Real Bamako travel to face Vitesse, while Singida Black Stars of Tanzania visit Al-Ghazala. In another notable fixture, Cote d’Ivoire’s Academie de FAD will host East End Lions.

All of the teams involved will be aiming to establish a positive position in the tie during Sunday’s opening matches. The return games in the first preliminary round are scheduled to take place next week, leaving the clubs with a chance to strengthen their prospects of progressing.

The programme begins at 13:00 with three matches.

Durban City face Rukinzo FC, Mogadishu City play Kitara FC, and Virunga meet Bazar Brothers. The first of those fixtures provides another opportunity for the teams involved to make a strong start to their respective campaigns.

At 13:30, Al-Ghazala welcome Singida Black Stars. The Tanzanian side will be looking to secure a result away from home, while Al-Ghazala will try to use the opening game to gain an advantage ahead of the return meeting.

Madani take on Tusker FC at 14:00, before El Kanemi play UDIB at 15:00.

The afternoon schedule then moves to the meeting between Academie de FAD and East End Lions, which is due to begin at 16:00. Academie de FAD will have home advantage in that contest as both sides begin their battle for a place in the next stage.

At the same time, Vitesse play Real Bamako. The match is one of the fixtures expected to attract attention on a busy day of CAF Confederation Cup action, with Real Bamako facing an away assignment in their opening tie.

The day’s final match sees ZED FC play ASAS Djibouti at 17:00.

The complete schedule is:

– 13:00: Durban City – Rukinzo FC – 13:00: Mogadishu City – Kitara FC – 13:00: Virunga – Bazar Brothers – 13:30: Al-Ghazala – Singida Black Stars – 14:00: Madani – Tusker FC – 15:00: El Kanemi – UDIB – 16:00: Academie de FAD – East End Lions – 16:00: Vitesse – Real Bamako – 17:00: ZED FC – ASAS Djibouti

With nine matches being played, the first preliminary round will continue to take shape on Sunday. The clubs will then turn their attention to the return fixtures next week, when the ties will be decided.