Singida Big Stars in strong position after TotalEnergies Confederation Cup first leg

Tanzanian side Singida Big Stars claimed an impressive 4-1 first leg victory at home against Zanzibar's JKU in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

Led by a brace from Marouf Tchakei, Singida put themselves in pole position to reach the group stage of the competition.

Tchakei, who joined the club in July from DR Congo's AS Vita Club, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 5th minute after being fouled in the area.

The Togolese midfielder then doubled Singida's lead by converting another penalty just before halftime.

Tchakei turned provider for Singida's third goal, playing a precise pass for Nigerian forward Morice Chukwu to score.

Kenyan Duke Abuya made it 4-0 to the Tanzanian league runners-up early in the second half.

JKU pulled a goal back later on but Singida remained firmly in control to secure a comprehensive first leg victory.

The return fixture takes place on 27 August at the Azam Complex Stadium, where JKU will need to overturn a three-goal deficit to progress.

Tchakei's stellar show provided Singida with the perfect start to the tie, with the midfielder justifying his arrival with two goals and an assist.

After a dominant first leg display, Singida have one foot in the Confederation Cup group stage as they aim to reach the later rounds of continental competition.