CAF Champions League 2026/27: Second Preliminary Round Fixtures and Preview

Thirty-Two Clubs Fight for Group Stage Places as CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round Opens

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27 season reaches a critical juncture this weekend as thirty-two clubs battle for the remaining sixteen spots in the group stage, cafonline.com reported. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, former winners Espérance, TP Mazembe, and Orlando Pirates headline the fixtures running from October 16 to 18, with return legs scheduled for October 23 to 25. A total of 61 clubs originally entered the continental competition, though heavyweights like Mamelodi Sundowns, Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s RS Berkane secured byes straight into this Second Preliminary Round, MyNewsGh reported.

Defending Champions Face Tough Away Tests Across the Continent

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns begin their title defense in Angola against Wiliete, a side that advanced by defeating Seychelles’ Foresters FC 5-0 on aggregate. Former winners Espérance travel to Libya to face Al-Swehly, while Egypt’s Pyramids FC meet South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu. In Lubumbashi, five-time African champions TP Mazembe host Tunisia’s Club Africain in one of the standout fixtures of the weekend. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates face African Stars, and Morocco’s RS Berkane start their campaign away against Sierra Leone’s Star Sport Academy.

Financial Support Package Cushions Elimination Blows

To ease the economic strain of continental travel and logistics, the Confederation of African Football provides every club eliminated during the preliminary rounds with USD 100,000 in financial support. This backing aims to reduce the financial pressure on clubs participating in interclub competitions. While the established sides chase a spot in the lucrative group stage, ambitious newcomers and regional contenders look to cause major upsets during the first-leg encounters.

Match Schedule and Regional Showdowns

The weekend schedule features high-stakes encounters across multiple regions, starting Friday, October 16, with El Merriekh Bentiu playing Pyramids FC, APR FC facing Zamalek, and Star Sport Academy meeting RS Berkane. Saturday’s fixtures include CFFA against Young Africans, African Stars hosting Orlando Pirates, TP Mazembe squaring off against Club Africain, 15 de Agosto playing Simba SC, and San Pedro welcoming FC Nouadhibou. Sunday’s matches feature Rangers International against MC Alger, Scottland FC hosting Petro Atlético, Sidama Bunna meeting Al Hilal Omdurman, Wiliete playing Mamelodi Sundowns, Horoya AC facing Al-Merriekh, Al-Swehly playing Espérance, Teungueth FC meeting Colombe Sportive, and Maghreb Fès welcoming ASEC Mimosas.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the group stage participants be confirmed?

The sixteen clubs advancing to the group stage will be confirmed following the conclusion of the return fixtures scheduled from October 23 to 25.

How much financial support do eliminated preliminary round clubs receive?

CAF provides every club eliminated in the preliminary rounds with USD 100,000 to assist with travel and logistical expenses.

Which clubs received byes into the Second Preliminary Round?

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s RS Berkane received byes into this round, according to MyNewsGh.

More on Champions League: Bradley Barcola Hat-Trick Powers Liverpool Past LASK in Champions League · Arsenal Defeats Lille 3-0 with Saka's Goal and Assist in Champions League · PSG Beats Manchester City in a 6-Goal Champions League Thriller (2-4)