Kwara United begin their quest for continental relevance this weekend with a daunting trip to Kumasi, where Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko await in the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Preliminary Round.

In the CAF website, it is listed as a standout fixture and ameeting of proud West African clubs with noisy travelling supporters.

For Kwara United, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity to plant their flag firmly on Africa’s football map.

Kotoko, twice winners of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, return to the continental stage seeking to restore their fading reputation.

But Kwara United arrive with quiet confidence. Head Coach, Tunde Sanni, at the Remo Stars training pitch some days ago to the Sports Village Square of preparation against the better-known Kotoko of Ghana.

“High reputation alone don’t win matches. We shall shock them”, he said. The coach and his players alike believe a disciplined, athletic performance in Ghana could tilt the tie their way before the decisive second leg.

“This is the stage we’ve worked hard for,” a Kwara United official noted. “Facing Kotoko in Kumasi is never easy, but we know if we stay organised and take our chances, the return leg at home can be decisive.”

The stakes are immediate: survive this tie and Kwara United move within touching distance of a glamour second-round showdown against one of Africa’s continental heavyweights, with group-stage football by November.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors also carry Nigeria’s flag, making their debut in Ouagadougou against Burkina Faso’s USFA. Both sides know Djoliba AC of Mali lie in wait in the next round.

Across the continent, 26 fixtures mark the start of a campaign that will stretch into 2026, with teams eyeing not only survival but also the prestige and financial rewards of group-stage qualification.

The first legs take place 19–21 September, with return fixtures scheduled for 26–28 September. Victors will advance to the second preliminary round in October, and from there, the promised land of group football awaits.

For Kwara United, it all begins under the floodlights of Kumasi — a test of character, discipline, and ambition in Africa’s most competitive club arena.

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Mali’s Djoliba AC have handed out 21 motorbikes to their players as part of an incentive drive ahead of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face Nigerian debutants Abia Warriors in the preliminary round.

The Bamako giants, who have long dominated Malian domestic football alongside rivals Stade Malien, hope the gifts will help the squad recapture past continental glory, having finished runners-up in the 2012 competition.

Club officials said the motorbikes came with strict conditions — they are to be used exclusively for training and matchday transport.

“The bikes must not be used for social activities or commercial purposes. We presented the gifts to ensure our boys arrive early for matches and achieve success,” a Djoliba official explained.

Motorbikes remain a popular means of transport in West Africa, where the cost of purchasing and maintaining cars is beyond the reach of many.

Djoliba will host Abia Warriors in the first leg of their preliminary tie in September, before travelling to Nigeria for the return leg. Victory would set up a second-round meeting with either USFA of Burkina Faso or AS Gbohloe-Su des Lacs of Togo for a place in the lucrative group stage, which guarantees each club $400,000.

CAF has also doubled its financial support for teams eliminated in the qualifying rounds to $100,000, a move aimed at easing the high travel and accommodation costs across Africa.

Despite Djoliba’s ambitions, history favours North African dominance in the competition — clubs from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia have won 17 of the 22 editions. Among the favourites for the upcoming season are Zamalek of Egypt, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, 2023 champions USM Alger, and Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria.

Reigning champions Renaissance Berkane of Morocco will not defend their crown, having qualified instead for the CAF Champions League.

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The road to continental glory in the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 has officially begun following the Preliminary Round draw held at Azam Media Studios in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday.

Click HERE for the full list of fixtures.

A total of 58 clubs from across Africa will compete in this year’s edition, with several blockbuster fixtures already lined up in the opening rounds.

Six of the continent’s top-ranked clubs – Wydad AC (Morocco), USM Alger (Algeria), CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Zamalek SC (Egypt), Al Masry SC (Egypt), and Stellenbosch FC (South Africa) – have been handed byes into the Second Preliminary Round based on CAF Club Rankings.

In one of the standout ties, Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko will face fellow West Africans Kwara United of Nigeria, with the winners taking on Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC in the next round.

Senegal’s Génération Foot meet Côte d’Ivoire’s Amadou Diallo FC, with the winners set for a showdown against former CAF Confederation Cup champions USM Alger.

Another intriguing clash sees Hafia FC of Guinea battle Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, while Burkina Faso’s USFA host Nigeria’s Abia Warriors, with Mali’s Djoliba AC awaiting in the Second Preliminary Round.

Elsewhere, Tanzania’s Azam FC will have to navigate past Zanzibar’s KMKM SC and South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu for a place in the next stage, while Uganda’s NEC FC take on Sudan’s Al Ahli Madani, with Tunisia’s Étoile Sportive du Sahel awaiting the winners.

Zambia’s Zesco United lock horns with Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers for a potential tie against Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, while DR Congo’s second representative will meet Angola’s Kabuscrop de Palanca for a spot against South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs.

The draw has also thrown up regional derbies, debut appearances for ambitious newcomers, and the prospect of titanic North African clashes in the latter stages.

The journey to glory will begin with the Preliminary Round, played over two legs on the weekends of 19–21 September and 26–28 September 2025. Victors will advance to the Second Preliminary Round on 17–19 October, with the return legs a week later from 24–26 October.

The successful sides will earn their place in the Group Stage, which kicks off on 21 November 2025.

From there, the best of the best will battle through to the knockout stage, starting on 13 March 2026, with the dream of lifting African football’s most coveted club trophies.

-Cafonline

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