The CAF Champions League 2025/26 begun in earnest Friday 19 September 2025 with three matches played at different venues across the African continent.
The first preliminary round matches are played on a home and away basis and the first leg matches are being played this weekend 19 to 21 September, with the return matches set for next weekend, 26 to 28 September.
Tanzanian giants Young Africans claimed a 3-0 victory over Angolan outfit Wiliete Benguela in the first leg of the first preliminary round in the CAF Champions League on Friday.
Aziz Andwabile broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute in Luanda, before Edmund John doubled the lead in the 72nd, while Prince Dube rounded up the scoring 11 minutes later.
Yanga are in pole position to advance to the second preliminary round ahead of the return leg set to be staged at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, 27 September.
Should the reigning Tanzanian champions proceed, they will face the winner between Elgeco Plus of Madagascar and Malawi’s Silver Strikers.
VIPERS ON TOP
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.
GOALLESS IN BENIN
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 prioritized 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.
Friday results
Dadje V Al Ahly Tripoli 0-0
Wiliete V Young Africans 0-3
African Stars V Vipers SC 0-1
