Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC open the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League this Friday, 16 October. Pyramids face El Merreikh SC Bentiu at 13:30 GMT, Zamalek face APR FC at 16:00 GMT.
The first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League kicks off this Friday, 16 October 2026, according to Dailysports. The curtain rises with two ties involving Egyptian clubs, against a South Sudanese side and a Rwandan side.
The reigning champions and the African heavyweights are looking to secure their qualification in this away first leg, CAF Online reports. The CAF Interclub Competitions Department summed up the stakes: “Tomorrow, the next step towards the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL group stage begins. Here are the full fixtures.”
Pyramids and Zamalek up first
The opening tie pits South Sudanese club El Merreikh SC Bentiu against Egypt’s Pyramids FC at 13:30 GMT. The second duel of the day serves up an East African clash between Rwanda’s APR FC and Cairo giants Zamalek SC at 16:00 GMT.
This round is the final direct knockout stage before reaching the lucrative group phase of Africa’s premier club competition, CAFCLCC recalls. The two Egyptian fixtures this Friday therefore open a decisive step towards qualification.
Zamalek under tension
The Cairo club is coming off a tense week. According to Dailysports, a complaint has been lodged against the refereeing following the Cairo derby.
This off-field matter therefore precedes Zamalek SC’s entry into the fray on APR FC’s pitch, scheduled for Friday at 16:00 GMT.
A busy continental weekend
After Friday’s opener, the schedule fills out. On Saturday, 17 October, five ties are on the menu, notably TP Mazembe against Club Africain and African Stars against Orlando Pirates, according to Dailysports. The North African contingent will be out in force, with RS Berkane taking on Star Sport Academy the same day.
Sunday, 18 October is the peak of the continental weekend with eight matches scheduled, including MC Alger against Rangers International and Espérance de Tunis against Swehly SC. Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas and Morocco’s Maghreb de Fès will close out this first leg on Sunday.
The second legs are scheduled for the weekend of 23 to 25 October 2026.