TotalEnergies CAF Champions League kicks of with exciting first leg battles
The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League began this week with clubs across the continent taking their first steps in the Preliminary Round. From commanding away victories to tightly fought encounters, the opening leg produced drama and set the stage for decisive return fixtures next weekend
CAFOnline takes a look at some of the outcomes of the first legs of the Preliminary Stage.
Côte d’Or 0–2 Stade d’Abidjan
In Seychelles, Stade d’Abidjan laid down a marker with a clinical 2–0 away victory over Côte d’Or. The Ivorian side’s composed performance leaves them well-placed ahead of the second leg at home.
Dadjè FC 0–0 Al Ahly Tripoli
Benin’s Dadjè FC held Libyan giants Al Ahly Tripoli to a goalless draw in a match where chances were scarce. With nothing separating the two, the tie is finely balanced going into the return leg in Tripoli.
Wiliete SC 0–3 Young Africans
Tanzanian champions Young Africans showed their pedigree on Angolan soil, dispatching Wiliete SC 3–0. Goals from Aziz Andabwile, Edmund Godfrey, and Prince Dube underlined their attacking strength, giving the Tanzanian giants a commanding lead before hosting the return fixture in Dar es Salaam next weekend.
Ethiopian Insurance 2–0 Mlandege FC
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Insurance made home advantage count with a 2–0 win over Zanzibar’s Mlandege. The Ethiopians will travel with confidence as they look to finish the job next weekend.
Mogadishu City Club 1–3 Police FC
Visitors Police FC earned a crucial 3–1 away victory against Mogadishu City, putting themselves in pole position to reach the next round. The Somali side now faces an uphill battle to overturn the deficit.
Power Dynamos 1–0 ASEC Mimosas
In one of the week’s headline fixtures, Zambian side Power Dynamos edged ASEC Mimosas 1–0 in Ndola. Innocent Kashita struck early, and the hosts held firm against the Ivorian giants to claim a narrow but valuable first-leg advantage.
Cercle de Joachim 0–3 Petro de Luanda
Angola’s Petro de Luanda demonstrated their experience on the continental stage with a 3–0 away win over Cercle de Joachim in Mauritius. The result leaves them with one foot in the Second Preliminary Round.
Ethiopian Medhin 2–0 Mlandege FC
Also in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Medhin secured a vital home victory with a 2–0 win over Mlandege FC. The Ethiopian side capitalised on their dominance, striking twice to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg. The visitors from Zanzibar will now need to produce a big response on home soil to keep their continental hopes alive.
Lioli FC 0–3 Orlando Pirates
Elsewhere, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates showed their pedigree with a commanding 3–0 away triumph against Lioli FC of Lesotho. A brace from Tshegofatso Mabasa and a late strike by Oswin Appolis ensured the former African champions head back to Johannesburg with one foot firmly in the next round.
Second Preliminary Round
The return legs are scheduled for 26–28 September 2025, where aggregate winners will advance to the Second Preliminary Round. With a place in the group stages ultimately at stake, clubs will be looking to either protect their leads or mount spirited comebacks in front of their home fans.