CAF Confederation Cup: Sekhukhune and Académica Petróleos spring surprise to reach top 16

Sekhukhune have done it. For the first time in their history, the South African club will play in the group stage of an African competition. Founded in 2019 and winners of the 2023 South African Cup, they have booked a place in the top 16 of the CAF Confederation Cup. It was far from a foregone conclusion, as Sekhukhune had to get past FC Lupopo of DR Congo. The South Africans did the bulk of the work in the first leg, winning 3-1. On Sunday they sealed qualification with a 1-1 draw, despite going behind.

Académica Petróleos Clube will also play in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. The Angolans made light work of South Sudan's El Merreikh Juba, beating them 3-0 on Sunday after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Holders wobble but go through

The standout tie of this 2nd preliminary round pitted USM Alger, holders of the CAF Confederation Cup, against FUS Rabat. It was the Algerians who went through on away goals. They kept a clean sheet (0-0) after drawing 1-1 in Rabat. It is a nightmare weekend for Rabat's clubs. On Saturday, the city's other side, AS FAR Rabat, champions of Morocco, were knocked out of the CAF Champions League.

The 16 teams through to the group stage

Zamalek (Egypt), Abu Salem (Libya), Dreams (Ghana), CO Coyah (Guinea), Al-Hilal Bengazhi (Libya), Sagrada Esperanca (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali), SuperSport United (South Africa), RS Berkane (Morocco), Diables Noirs (Congo), Sekhukhune (South Africa), Club Africain (Tunisia), Futur FC (Egypt), River United (Nigeria), Académica Petróleos Clube (Angola).