By Emmanuel Nelson Nyarko 
The CAF Champions League first preliminary round reached its conclusion on Sunday, September 13, with 10 return-leg fixtures producing goals, dramatic comebacks and several big aggregate victories across the continent.
Among the biggest winners were Tanzanian giants Simba SC, Egyptian champions Pyramids FC, Ivorian powerhouse ASEC Mimosas and Guinea’s Horoya AC, who all secured their places in the second preliminary round.
Simba destroy Mighty Wanderers
Simba SC delivered the biggest performance of the day, thrashing Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers 6-1 in Dar es Salaam.
Having won the first leg 1-0 in Malawi, Simba entered the return fixture with a narrow advantage but left no room for doubt.
The Tanzanian giants produced a dominant display to complete a 7-1 aggregate victory, with Libasse Gueye among the standout performers after scoring twice.
The emphatic victory sends Simba into the next round with considerable momentum as they continue their pursuit of a place in the group stage.
Pyramids crush Gor Mahia
Egyptian side Pyramids FC also produced one of Sunday’s most convincing displays, defeating Kenya’s Gor Mahia 5-1.
Pyramids had already taken control of the tie with a 2-0 victory in the first leg in Nairobi.
The Egyptian side completed the job in emphatic fashion on home soil, advancing 7-1 on aggregate.
Their commanding performance further underlined Pyramids’ status as one of the continent’s ambitious clubs as they continue their Champions League campaign.
Horoya complete comeback against JS Saoura
Guinean giants Horoya AC produced one of the day’s notable comebacks.
After losing the first leg 1-0 to Algeria’s JS Saoura, Horoya needed to overturn the deficit at home.
They responded with a 3-1 victory, winning the tie 3-2 on aggregate and securing their place in the next preliminary round.
It was a significant turnaround for the Guinean side, who refused to let the first-leg setback end their continental ambitions.
ASEC Mimosas edge ASCK
Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas also advanced after defeating Togo’s ASCK 2-1 in the second leg.
The result gave ASEC a 3-2 aggregate victory after the two sides had drawn 1-1 in the first meeting.
The Ivorian champions held their nerve when it mattered most to keep their Champions League journey alive.
San Pedro advance after dramatic tie
FC San Pedro of Ivory Coast survived another tightly contested encounter against Nigeria’s Rivers United.
The two sides played out a 2-2 draw, leaving the aggregate score at 3-3 after their 1-1 first-leg draw.
San Pedro ultimately advanced on the away-goals rule, bringing a dramatic end to the tie.
Colombe survive on penalties
Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo needed penalties to eliminate Mali’s Stade Malien.
The second leg ended 0-0, leaving the aggregate score level after the first meeting also ended goalless.
Colombe eventually prevailed 4-3 on penalties to book their place in the next round.
More teams advance
Elsewhere, Al-Swehly of Libya defeated KVZ FC 3-0 to progress 4-0 on aggregate.
Sidama Bunna of Ethiopia also advanced after beating Aglon FC 3-0, completing a 3-0 aggregate victory.
Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou progressed after a goalless draw with Uganda’s Vipers, while Senegal’s Teungueth FC defeated FC Kanifing 1-0 to advance 2-0 on aggregate.
The road to the group stage continues
Sunday’s action brought the first preliminary round to a close, with the successful clubs now turning their attention to the second preliminary round.
For Simba and Pyramids, the emphatic victories will provide plenty of confidence, while Horoya, ASEC and Colombe will take encouragement from overcoming difficult ties. With the competition moving closer to the group stage, the quality and intensity will only increase.