TotalEnergies CAF Champions League: All to Play for as Clubs Chase Group Stage Qualification
The road to the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 reaches a decisive phase this weekend as clubs across the continent prepare for the second leg of the second qualifying round.
After a tense set of first-leg encounters, the margins are tight for most teams, while others carry commanding leads heading into decisive return fixtures.
Action kicks off on Friday, 24 October, when Power Dynamos host Al Hilal in Lusaka looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit, while Vipers welcome Kenya Police in Kampala with all still to play for.
Up north, ES Tunis will fancy their chances at home after edging Rahimo 1-0 away in Burkina Faso.
Their match at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi could seal their place in the group stages if they maintain their advantage. JS Kabylie, meanwhile, carry a comfortable 3-0 cushion into their home tie against Monastir in Tizi Ouzou.
Saturday’s action promises drama as Young Africans host Silver Strikers in Dar es Salaam needing to overturn a 1-0 defeat, while Petro de Luanda take a 2-0 lead into their clash against Stade d’Abidjan in Angola.
Reigning champions Al Ahly return to the Cairo International Stadium with a 1-0 edge over Aigle Noir, and AS FAR will host Horoya in Rabat after a 1-1 draw in Conakry.
Orlando Pirates face a far more daunting task. The Buccaneers were stunned 3-0 by Saint Eloi Lupopo in the first leg in Lubumbashi, leaving them with a mountain to climb when they host the Congolese side on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday’s fixtures include Simba defending a 3-0 advantage against Nsingizini Hotspurs in Dar es Salaam, and Mamelodi Sundowns hosting Remo Stars at Loftus Versfeld Stadium following their emphatic 5-1 away win.
MC Alger will also be in action at home to Colombe after a 1-1 stalemate in Cameroon.
The winners from this weekend’s ties will progress to the group stage, joining Africa’s elite in pursuit of continental glory and the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF Champions League crown.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Qualifiers Fixtures:
Friday, 24 October
13h00 GMT | Power Dynamos v Vipers
16h00 GMT | Al Hilal Kenya Police
Saturday, 25 October
13h00 GMT | Orlando Pirates v Saint Eloi Lupopo
14h00 GMT | Young Africans v Silver Strikers
15h00 GMT | Rivers United v Black Bulls
16h00 GMT | Petro de Luanda v Stade d’Abidjan
17h00 GMT | Al Ahly v Aigle Noir
18h00 GMT | JS Kabyile v Monastir
19h00 GMT | AS Far v Horoya
Sunday, 26 October
13h30 GMT | Mamelodi Sundowns v Remo Stars
16h00 GMT | ES Tunis v Rahimo
16h00 GMT | Stade Malien v Nouadhibou
19h00 GMT | MC Alger v Colombe
19h00 GMT | RS Berkane v Al Ahly Tripoli
