CAF Confederation Cup: high-risk return legs ahead

Fourteen first legs, some sizeable margins and several favourites still a long way from the group stage: the second preliminary round of the 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup is entering its decisive phase. After the ties played from 16 to 18 October, the return legs, scheduled for 23 to 25 October, will separate the clubs still in the running. USM Alger, who qualified after Panthers FC withdrew, already have their ticket.

Maniema Union and Al-Ahli Tripoli have room to spare

AS Maniema Union took a big step towards qualification with a 4-1 win at Kabuscorp in Angola. With a three-goal cushion, the Democratic Republic of Congo club can prepare for the return leg in good shape. They still have to confirm the result without letting their opponents regain confidence.

Al-Ahli Tripoli have an even wider margin. Winners 4-0 away to Welwalo Adigrat University, the Libyan club go into the second leg in a very strong position. Qualification is not yet secured, but the Ethiopians will have to overturn a considerable deficit to turn the tie around.

AS Real Bamako and Associação Black Bulls also came through their away trips. The Malians beat ES Zarzis 3-1 in Tunisia, while the Mozambicans won 2-0 against Rayon Sports in Rwanda. Those two-goal leads put them in control before they return to their home crowds.

A lead to defend, with no let-up

For other first-leg winners, the margin is slimmer. Egyptian club Al Ahly won 2-1 at Kitara FC in Uganda. Primeiro de Agosto won by the same score against DC Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Singida Black Stars got the better of Tusker FC in Kenya (1-0).

Just one goal separates each of these sides from their opponents. Kitara, Virunga and Tusker therefore keep their hopes of a comeback alive, while the winners must avoid seeing their advantage vanish at the first opportunity.

Durban City have more room for manoeuvre after their 3-1 win over AS Port-Louis 2000. The South Africans will still have to defend their two-goal lead on the trip to Mauritius. FC Diarra will travel to Togo with a more fragile advantage: their 3-2 win over ASKO de Kara leaves the tie open.

Kaizer Chiefs must react, Raja and Sfaxien have it all to play for

Kaizer Chiefs are among the sides who must turn things around. Beaten 1-0 by Red Arrows in Zambia, the South African club will need to find more attacking solutions in the return leg. The Zambians will look to protect their narrow lead to continue their campaign.

Raja Club Athletic have no deficit to overturn, but still need to make the difference. Their 2-2 draw away to El-Kanemi Warriors leaves the sides level before the return leg in Morocco. The two goals conceded are a reminder to the Casablanca side that they must also contain the Nigerian attack.

CS Sfaxien will also be at home after an away draw. Held 1-1 by AFAD Plateau in Ivory Coast, the Tunisians will need to be more clinical to gain the upper hand. The Ivorians remain in the contest and will try to extend their continental run.

ZED FC and Azam FC also have to be separated after their 1-1 draw in Egypt. The second leg will be played in Tanzania. Finally, AS FAR host CO Korhogo after the 0-0 draw in the first leg in Ivory Coast: neither side has yet found a way through.

USM Alger already through, Belouizdad in limbo

USM Alger can already look ahead to the group stage. The official withdrawal of Equatorial Guinea's Panthers FC cleared their path without them having to play the tie.

The situation remains on hold for CR Belouizdad. The first leg originally scheduled against AS Douanes was postponed; the date of that fixture has yet to be clarified. This tie therefore does not fall into the same category as those whose first leg has already been played.

For the clubs due to play return legs, the objectives are now clear: protecting a lead for Maniema Union and Al-Ahli Tripoli, wiping out a deficit for Kaizer Chiefs, or breaking a level tie for Raja and CS Sfaxien. The first-leg scores shape each side's chances; they have not yet produced all the qualifiers.