The chase for Africa’s most coveted club trophy enters a decisive phase as the CAF Champions League 2025/26 rolls into its second-leg, first preliminary-round matches. From Abidjan to Cairo, giants and debutants alike are battling for a coveted spot in the next stage of the continent’s premier competition.

The drama kicked off on Tuesday, September 23, with Stade d’Abidjan setting the tone in front of their home crowd. Their 2–0 victory over Côte d’Or of Seychelles signaled the fierce determination that defines this tournament.

Key Second-Leg Fixtures & Results

Wednesday, September 24
Stade d’Abidjan (Ivory Coast) 2–0 Côte d’Or (Seychelles)

Thursday, September 26
US Zilimadjou (Comoros) 0–4 Remo Stars (Nigeria)
JS Kabylie (Algeria) 2–0 Bibiani Gold Stars (Ghana) (moved to Sept. 28)

Saturday, September 27
ASAS Djibouti Télécom 0–0 Aigle Noir
Mlandege 0–2 Ethiopian Insurance
Espérance de Tunis 3–0 AS FAN
RS Berkane 1–1 ASC Kara
Horoya 0–1 Al Hilal Benghazi
AS FAR 2–0 Real de Banjul
MC Alger 0–0 Fassell
Silver Strikers 1–1 Elgeco Plus
Young Africans 3–0 Wiliete
Petro de Luanda 3–0 Cercle de Joachim
Black Bulls 0–0 AC Léopards
Orlando Pirates 3–0 Lioli

Sunday, September 28
Nsingizini Hotspurs 0–1 Simba Bhora
Simba 1–0 Gaborone United
ASEC Mimosas 1–0 Power Dynamos
Kenya Police 3–1 Mogadishu City
Al Hilal (Sudan) 0–0 Jamus
Mangasport 0–0 Rahimo
Al Ahli Tripoli 0–0 Dadjè
US Monastir 4–0 East End Lions
FC Nouadhibou 0–0 Fundación Bata
ASC Jaraaf 0–0 Colombe Sportive
Rivers United 0–0 Aigles du Congo

Wednesday, October 1
Pyramids (Egypt) vs APR (Rwanda) – First Leg

From Tunis to Luanda, the weekend promises everything from tactical chess matches to passionate, all-out attacking football. Heavyweights like Espérance de Tunis, Orlando Pirates, and Young Africans are flexing their muscles early, while underdogs such as Kenya Police and Remo Stars are making their mark with emphatic wins.

The second-leg encounters will decide who marches toward the money-spinning group stages and who bows out early. African club football’s intensity is here—stadiums are roaring, and history is ready to be written.