The first preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League reached its dramatic conclusion on Sunday, with several powerhouse clubs showcasing their strength and securing their spots in the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
In a standout performance, AS FAR Rabat of Morocco overcame a challenging situation to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Nigeria’s Remo Stars. Playing at home in Rabat, the Moroccan side dominated the match, with Congolese striker Joël Beya opening the scoring in the 52nd minute.
Zouhzouh added a second goal with a penalty in the 80th minute, sealing a 2-0 victory that saw AS FAR advance to the second preliminary round with a 3-2 aggregate win.
Algerian champions CR Bélouizdad continued their impressive form with a hard-fought 1-0 win over AC Léopards of Congo. A crucial 24th-minute strike from Benguit ensured the victory, following their earlier 2-0 first-leg success.
CR Bélouizdad will now face Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes, who advanced on away goals after two closely contested draws against Benin’s Coton FC.
Ghana’s Samartex demonstrated their rising stature with a dominant performance against Cameroon’s Victoria United. An early goal from Isaac Afful in the 8th minute set the tone for a 1-0 victory, giving Samartex a 2-0 aggregate win.
This triumph sets up a highly anticipated second-round showdown with African giants Raja Casablanca.
Elsewhere, Cote d’Ivoire’s San Pedro edged past Sierra Leone’s BO Rangers with a narrow 1-0 victory, ensuring their passage to the next round. In another tight contest, Congo’s AS Maniema Union showed nerves of steel to defeat Zimbabwe’s Ngezi Platinum on penalties after both legs ended goalless.
In a notable result, Togo’s ASKO Kara secured their place in the next round by defeating Equatorial Guinea’s Deportivo Mongomo 1-0, courtesy of an early strike from new signing Adam Musah.
However, the day also saw surprises, with Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou, surprise participants in last season’s group stage, eliminated on away goals by Guinea’s Milo FC.
With the conclusion of the first preliminary round, attention now shifts to the second round, scheduled to take place from September 13 to 15 for the first legs, and September 23 to 25 for the return fixtures.
The stage is set for more thrilling encounters as Africa’s elite clubs continue their quest for continental glory in the CAF Champions League.
Source: CAF Online
