Enugu Rangers, Dekedaha FC, and Orlando Pirates have successfully booked their spots in the next phase of the CAF Champions League following crucial performances in the second-leg matches of the first qualifying round.
Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers managed to edge past US Zilimadjou of Comoros with a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.
The decisive second-leg match, held in Uyo, ended in a 1-1 draw. Rangers’ progression was largely thanks to Agu Kenechukwu, whose early goal in the game gave the Nigerian side the lead.
Despite a second-half equalizer from Zilimadjou, Rangers held on to their aggregate advantage, ensuring their place in the next round.
Their next opponents will be either Saint Louis Suns United from Seychelles or Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca.
In Tanzania, Dekedaha FC of Somalia also advanced despite a narrow 4-3 defeat to Arta Solar of Djibouti in the second leg.
The match, played in Dar Es Salaam, was an entertaining affair, with both sides attacking relentlessly.
However, Dekedaha’s 2-0 victory in the first leg proved enough to secure a 5-4 aggregate win and propel the Somalian side into the next stage.
They will now face the formidable Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis in what promises to be a challenging encounter.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Madagascar’s CNaPS Sport (also known as Disciples) in Soweto, completing a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate win.
The Buccaneers, who were in control throughout the match, saw goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Karim Kimvuidi.
The result solidified their place in the second round of qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the tie between African Stars of Namibia and Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy.
The CAF Champions League first qualifying round continues on Saturday, August 24, with a highly anticipated West African derby between Teungueth FC of Senegal and Stade Abidjan of Ivory Coast.
The competition is set to intensify as teams vie for a coveted spot in Africa’s most prestigious club tournament.
CAF Champions League results: Friday, August 23
First round, second-leg matches. Aggregate score in parenthesis.
Enugu Rangers (Nigeria) 1-1 US Zilimadjou (Comoros) (Rangers win 2-1 on aggregate)
Dekedaha FC (Somalia) 3-4 Arta Solar (Djibouti) (Dekedaha win 5-4 on aggregate)
Orlando Pirates (South Africa) 4-0 CNaPS Sport (Madagascar) (Pirates win 4-0 on aggregate)
The 2024/25 CAF Champions League is heating up, and these early qualifiers have already provided thrilling moments for fans across the continent.
