Sundowns, Simba, and Lupopo Dominate as CAF Champions League Heats Up

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 second preliminary round delivered fireworks across the continent this weekend, with African heavyweights making bold early statements in their quests for group-stage qualification.

Sundowns Run Riot in Nigeria

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns produced the standout result of the round, thrashing Remo Stars 5–1 away in Nigeria.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the floodgates early, with Peter Shalulile doubling the lead before halftime. Miguel Reisinho, Arthur Sales, and Tsiki Ntsabeleng added three more after the break to complete a ruthless display.
Remo’s lone reply came from Samson Olasupo, but it was little consolation as the Brazilians all but sealed their progression ahead of the return leg in Pretoria.

Simba Flex Muscles in Eswatini

In Eswatini, Simba SC showcased their experience with a clinical 3–0 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Wilson Nangu struck on the stroke of halftime before Denis Kibu netted twice late on to give the Tanzanian giants a commanding advantage ahead of their home leg in Dar es Salaam.

Lupopo Shock Pirates in Lubumbashi

There was heartbreak for South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, who were stunned 3–0 by St Éloi Lupopo in DR Congo.
Early and late strikes from Wanet Kashala, Dramane Kambou, and Jean Benoit Tukumbane gave Lupopo a dream result. Pirates now face a massive uphill battle in Johannesburg next weekend.

MC Alger Earn Late Draw in Cameroon

In Yaoundé, MC Alger snatched a 1–1 draw against Colombe FC thanks to a late equaliser from Ayoub Ghezala, cancelling out Inno Loemba’s first-half opener. The away goal gives the Algerians the edge before the second leg at home.

Stade Malien Hold Firm in Nouadhibou

In Mauritania, Stade Malien secured a valuable 1–1 away draw with FC Nouadhibou, showing composure and experience to fight back after falling behind. The tie remains delicately balanced ahead of the return leg in Bamako.

Espérance and Petro Show Their Class

In West Africa, Espérance Tunis edged Rahimo FC 1–0 in Burkina Faso thanks to Florian Danho’s first-half header, while Petro de Luanda struck twice late to beat Stade d’Abidjan 2–0. Both sides take strong away wins into their second legs at home.

Ahly, Hilal, Silver Strikers, and Black Bulls Secure Narrow Wins

Record champions Al Ahly earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Aigle Noir in Burundi, while Al Hilal Omdurman did the same against Police FC in Nairobi.
Malawi’s Silver Strikers shocked Young Africans 1–0 in Lilongwe, and Mozambique’s Black Bulls edged Rivers United by the same score in Maputo.
Meanwhile, JS Kabylie put one foot in the group stage with a resounding 3–0 away win over Monastir in Tunisia.

Weekend Snapshot

With Sundowns, Simba, Lupopo, and Petro already in cruise control, and Ahly staying steady as ever, the road to the CAF Champions League group stage is heating up fast — with the return legs set to deliver high-stakes drama across the continent.