By Emmanuel Nelson Nyarko 
The CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round delivered another day of continental drama on Saturday, with several clubs securing their places in the next stage while Jwaneng Galaxy suffered a surprise elimination.
The battle for places in the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup continued on Saturday as clubs returned to action for the decisive second legs.
Several teams managed to protect their first-leg advantages, while others overturned deficits to keep their continental dreams alive.
Tusker edge Al Ahli Madani
Kenyan side Tusker FC booked their place in the second preliminary round after defeating Sudanese opponents Al Ahli Madani 1-0.
Crispine Erambo scored the decisive goal in the second half to settle a closely contested encounter in Nairobi.
The victory completed a 3-2 aggregate success for Tusker after the two sides had drawn 2-2 in the first leg.
The Kenyan champions can now look forward to another continental challenge in the next round.
Kitara make strong statement
Ugandan side Kitara FC also advanced in impressive fashion after defeating Mogadishu City 2-0.
Jimmy Kalema opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Tumwesige Frank Zaga doubled the advantage in the second half.
Kitara completed a 4-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 2-1 away from home.
Their reward is a place in the second preliminary round, where they will face Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Jwaneng Galaxy suffer shock elimination
One of the biggest surprises of the day came in Botswana, where Jwaneng Galaxy were eliminated by Mauritius’ AS Port Louis 2000.
Galaxy, who had secured a 1-1 draw away from home in the first leg, were beaten 1-0 in the return fixture.
The result sent AS Port Louis through with a 2-1 aggregate victory and ended Galaxy’s continental campaign at the first preliminary-round stage.
It was a major setback for the Botswana side, who had appeared to hold the advantage after their positive result in Mauritius.
Rayon Sports hold on
Rwanda’s Rayon Sports advanced after playing out a goalless draw with Cameroon’s Panthère Sportive du Ndé.
The result meant Rayon Sports progressed after the tie finished 1-1 on aggregate, following the identical scoreline in the first leg.
It was a disciplined performance from the Rwandan side, who kept their opponents at bay to secure their place in the next round.
Black Bulls progress
Mozambique’s Black Bulls also moved into the second preliminary round after a goalless draw against Atomic Ngomé.
The result was enough for Black Bulls to advance 1-0 on aggregate after their victory in the first leg.
ZED FC continue historic campaign
Egyptian debutants ZED FC continued their impressive start to continental football after drawing 1-1 away against ASAS Djibouti Télécom.
ZED had already established a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and progressed comfortably with a 5-1 aggregate victory.
Their debut campaign therefore continues into the second preliminary round.
East End Lions bow out
Sierra Leone’s East End Lions were eliminated despite holding Ivorian side AFAD to a 2-2 draw in the second leg.
The two teams finished level at 3-3 on aggregate, but AFAD progressed after scoring more goals away from home.
It was another closely fought tie, with neither side able to separate themselves over the two legs.
The race continues
With more preliminary round ties still being decided, the battle for the CAF Confederation Cup remains wide open.
The successful clubs will now turn their attention to the second preliminary round, where they will be joined by the eight highest ranked exempted clubs, including Al Ahly, USM Alger, Raja Casablanca, AS FAR and Kaizer Chiefs. For the teams that have already progressed, the next stage presents a tougher test and an even bigger opportunity to move closer to the group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Comfort Larry