The 2025/26 season of the CAF Champions League got underway on Friday with three first-leg ties setting the tone for a busy opening weekend. 

Young Africans issued the loudest statement, winning 3–0 away to Wiliete in Angola. Vipers SC took a valuable 1–0 success at African Stars, while Dadjè of Benin kept Al Ahly Tripoli at arm’s length in a goalless draw. 

More first legs matches follow onm Saturday and Sunday across the continent before next weekend’s returns decide who progresses to October’s second preliminary round.

Young Africans, last season’s Tanzanian champions, produced a measured away performance in Benguela to put one foot in the next round.

They struck first on 32 minutes when Aziz Andabwile finished from close range after sustained pressure down the right.

The visitors then controlled the tempo and struck twice late on to underline their superiority: John Edmund guided in a neat effort on 72 minutes before Prince Dube curled home an 81st-minute third.

A clean sheet and three away goals leave Yanga firmly in charge before the return leg in Dar es Salaam.

In Namibia, Vipers SC claimed an early advantage in a cagey contest against African Stars.

The Ugandans were in front after just 14 minutes when defender Hillary Mukundane stole in at a set-piece to prod beyond the goalkeeper.

From there, Vipers settled into a disciplined shape, keeping the hosts at arm’s length and managing the game well in the second period.

African Stars pushed after the interval but found little space between the lines, leaving themselves with work to do in Kitende.

Benin’s Dadjè and Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli remain finely poised after a tight 0–0 in Cotonou. Chances were scarce as both sides prioritised control in midfield.

The visitors will be satisfied to take the tie home level, but Dadjè’s organisation and intensity suggest a tricky night awaits in Tripoli.

With the stakes high and margins thin in these early rounds, small details in next weekend’s returns could decide the outcome.

This preliminary phase is the first step on a long road that runs through October’s second round to the group stage, which begins on 21 November.

Several heavyweights, including Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, await at the next hurdle, while the defending champions Pyramids and Rwanda’s APR join later.

For Friday’s winners, the brief is clear: complete the job next week.

For the sides trailing, the mission is to reset quickly and make home advantage count when the competition resumes with the second legs between 26–28 September.

-Cafonline

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Nigeria’s Remo Stars have confirmed ticketing details for their highly anticipated CAF Champions League preliminary round home fixtureagainstUS Zilimadjou of Comoros Island on Sunday.

In a statement released via their official X handle, the club revealed that VIP tickets will go on sale at the stadium in Abeokuta on matchday for ₦5,000, while regular entry will be free of charge.

The gesture is aimed at encouraging strong home support as the Sky Blue Stars embark on their fourth consecutive continental campaign.

The club’s management urged fans to turn out in large numbers to create a charged atmosphere that could give the team an edge in the crucial tie.

“This is more than just a game; it is a moment for Remo Stars and Nigerian football,” a club source said. “We want to make sure our supporters are right behind us.”

The match, scheduled for this weekend at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, marks a significant milestone in Remo Stars’ growing continental profile, as they look to make an impact on the African stage.

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The 2025/26 season of the CAF Champions League  officially gets underway this Friday with the kick-off of the Preliminary stages of Africa’s premier continental club competition.

This season marks a historic milestone with a record number of 62 clubs registered for the 2025/26 season, underscoring CAF’s ongoing efforts to broaden participation and enhance the competitiveness of African football.

To further support clubs across the continent, CAF has introduced a new financial initiative: teams eliminated in the first two preliminary rounds will each receive USD 100,000 to assist in covering logistical expenses.

This measure is designed to encourage broader representation and strengthen the foundation of the competitions.

Most of the Preliminary Round first-leg fixtures will be contested between 19–21 September 2025, with the second-leg matches scheduled for 26–28 September 2025.

Victorious clubs will progress to the Second Preliminary Round, set for 17–19 October (first leg) and 24–26 October 2025 (second leg).

The Group Stage will commence on 21 November 2025, culminating in the knockout phase, which is scheduled to begin on 13 March 2026.

While some of the continent’s club heavyweights will not feature this weekend, the draw which was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania last month has produced several highly anticipated encounters.

Winners of last season’s CAF Confederation Cup, RS Berkane will contest the CAF Champions League this season after clinching the Moroccan championship. They face Togo’s ASC Kara in their opening encounter.

Last season’s semi-finalists, Orlando Pirates face a tricky test against Lesotho’s Lioli FC, while Zambia’s Power Dynamos meet Ivorian heavyweights, Asec Mimosas.

The CAF Champions League will be beamed live across all CAF’s official broadcast partners, with exclusive behind the scenes content curated across all CAF Digital platforms, including highlights packages on CAF’s Official YouTube channel, CAF TV.

With enhanced financial support, historic levels of participation, and an exciting programme of fixtures, the 2025/26 CAF Interclub season is set to reinforce its reputation as the pinnacle of African club football.

For full list of fixtures, CLICK HERE.

-CAFonline

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