Packed Sunday of CAF Champions League preliminary action

The CAF Champions League preliminary round continues on Sunday with a packed schedule featuring some of Africa’s most successful clubs alongside ambitious underdogs hoping to progress on the continental stage.

More than ten fixtures are lined up across the continent, promising a day of high-intensity football.

One of the standout clashes sees Moroccan champions AS FAR travel to The Gambia to take on Real de Banjul.

Despite the gap in pedigree between the two sides, the Gambian outfit will be looking to cause an upset against the Rabat-based giants, who enter the competition with lofty ambitions.

Another heavyweight from Morocco, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, are also in action as they face ASCK of Togo.

Berkane, known for their strength in continental competitions, will be aiming to assert their dominance away from home in what could be a stern test of their credentials.

Elsewhere, Espérance Sportive de Tunis face a tricky trip to Niger where they meet ASFAN.

The Tunisian powerhouse, with four CAF Champions League titles to their name, are widely expected to progress but will need to navigate the challenges of playing away in Niamey.

Stade Malien, one of Mali’s most decorated clubs, are set to play their preliminary round fixture against AS Tempête of the Central African Republic.

The tie will be staged at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, adding a neutral element to the contest.

The day’s programme begins early, with Elgeco Plus taking on Silver Strikers at 10 a.m. GMT.

Several other fixtures follow throughout the afternoon, including Jamus FC against Al Hilal, Black Eagle against ASAS, and Colombe Sportive facing ASC Jaraaf.

Later in the day, clubs such as Simba Bhora of Zimbabwe and East End Lions of Sierra Leone will also be in action.

Full schedule for Sunday, 21 September (GMT):

• 10:00 – Elgeco Plus vs Silver Strikers
• 13:00 – Jamus FC vs Al Hilal
• 13:00 – Black Eagle vs ASAS
• 13:00 – Colombe Sportive vs ASC Jaraaf
• 14:00 – Bata Foundation vs FC Nouadhibou
• 14:00 – AS Tempête vs Stade Malien
• 14:30 – Armed Forces vs ES Tunis
• 14:30 – AC Leopards vs Black Bulls
• 15:00 – East End Lions vs US Monastirienne
• 15:00 – ASCK vs RS Berkane
• 15:00 – Remo Stars vs US Zilimadjou
• 18:00 – Simba Bhora vs Nsingizini Hotspurs
• 19:00 – Real de Banjul vs AS FAR

With so many ties spread across the continent, Sunday is shaping up to be a decisive day in the early stages of the competition, as both giants and minnows look to keep their CAF Champions League hopes alive.