4-1 winners away to Kabuscorp in Angola, AS Maniema Union go into the second legs of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round with a cushion, while Raja, CS Sfaxien and Kaizer Chiefs remain under pressure.
CAF published its full round-up on 21 October on the eve of the second legs of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, scheduled for 23 to 25 October, reports Sport News Africa. Fourteen places in the group stage of the 2026-2027 edition are up for grabs this continental weekend. For the clubs eliminated, the door to African interclub competitions will close for the rest of the season, as CAF Online recalls.
The first legs produced their share of statement wins. AS Maniema Union, Al-Ahli Tripoli, AS Real Bamako and Associação Black Bulls have taken a serious option on qualification. By contrast, Raja of Casablanca, CS Sfaxien and South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs remain under heavy pressure after narrow scorelines.
Maniema Union hold a three-goal cushion
The Congolese club struck hard in the first leg, winning 4-1 on Kabuscorp’s turf in Angola. An away success that gives Maniema’s men a three-goal lead before the return leg.
Al-Ahli Tripoli have settled the tie
The standout performance of the first round belongs to Al-Ahli Tripoli. The Libyans won 4-0 in Ethiopia, on the pitch of Welwalo Adigrat University, a scoreline that leaves little room for suspense before the return leg.
Two other clubs have also put distance between themselves and their opponents. AS Real Bamako won 3-1 in Tunisia against ES Zarzis, while Associação Black Bulls earned a 2-0 win in Rwanda against Rayon Sports. Three sides breathing easily before the second leg.
A special case: USM Alger have already booked their ticket without playing, following the official withdrawal of Panthers FC. The Algerians are therefore already qualified for the group stage.
Raja, Sfaxien and Chiefs on a knife-edge
At the other end, Raja of Casablanca, CS Sfaxien and South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs remain under heavy pressure after narrow scorelines in the first-leg matches, Sport News Africa reports. For these three heavyweights, nothing is settled.
The picture is simple: the tight first-leg scores leave qualification in the balance and force these clubs to negotiate a make-or-break second leg. Elimination at this stage would deprive them of African interclub competitions for the whole of the current season, CAF Online recalls.
The second legs begin on Friday 23 October and end on Sunday 25 October 2026. The weekend therefore promises to be a tale of two halves: on one side, favourites who have already opened a gap; on the other, regulars who will have to battle to avoid a hammer blow.