The first preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League concluded on Sunday, with several top clubs advancing to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat managed a tough comeback, overturning a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Nigeria’s Remo Stars by winning 2-0 in Rabat. Congolese striker, Joël Beya opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, and Zouhzouh secured the victory with an 80th-minute penalty, propelling the Moroccan side into the second preliminary round.
Algeria’s CR Bélouizdad continued their strong run with a 1-0 win over Congo’s AC Léopards, courtesy of a 24th-minute goal from Benguit. This win, following a 2-0 first-leg victory, sets up an intriguing second-round clash with Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes, who advanced on away goals after two draws with Benin’s Coton FC.
Ghana’s Samartex dominated their tie against Cameroon’s Victoria United, winning 1-0 at home to complete a 2-0 aggregate victory. Isaac Afful’s 8th-minute goal sealed the win and set up a highly anticipated second-round match against African giants Raja Casablanca.
Other notable results include Côte d’Ivoire champions, San Pedro edging past Sierra Leone’s BO Rangers with a 1-0 win, and Congo’s AS Maniema Union advancing on penalties after two goalless draws with Zimbabwe’s Ngezi Platinum. Togo’s ASKO Kara also progressed, defeating Equatorial Guinea’s Deportivo Mongomo 1-0 with an early goal from new signing Adam Musah.
In a surprising upset, Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou, who were surprise participants in last season’s group stage, were eliminated on away goals by Guinea’s Milo FC.
The second preliminary round is set to bring even more excitement, with first-leg matches scheduled from September 13 to 15, and return fixtures from September 23 to 25.
