East Africa's Kenya Police FC, Simba SC from Tanzania and Uganda's Vipers all sealed their places in the Second Preliminary Round of the CAF Champions League on Sunday, though in very different fashion.
Simba were held 1–1 by Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam but progressed 2–1 on aggregate. Kenya's Police FC, meanwhile, lost 2–0 at home to Mogadishu City, leaving the tie locked at 3–3 over two legs, but advanced thanks to the away-goals rule after their 3–1 first-leg victory in Somalia.
Jean Carlos Ahoua opened the scoring for Simba two minutes before half-time to double their aggregate cushion, but the visitors hit back when Lebogang Ditsele converted a penalty midway through the second half.
Despite late pressure, Gaborone could not find the second goal needed to force extra time.
In Nairobi, Police endured a tense evening after Marsis struck in the 33rd minute to give Mogadishu City hope.
Ibrahim Bangura’s penalty ten minutes after the break set up a dramatic finale, but Police FC held on to ensure progression on away goals.
Simba remain on course for a return to the group stages, with their pedigree making them one of East Africa’s strongest contenders.
Kenya Police advance to the second preliminary round for the first time in their history, where they will face either Jamus FC of South Sudan or Sudanese giants Al Hilal.
Monastir cruise past East End Lions to seal emphatic aggregate win
US Monastir stormed into the second preliminary round with a commanding 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone’s East End Lions on Sunday, completing a 7-1 aggregate triumph.
The Tunisians struck twice inside the opening seven minutes through Naude Zeguei and Haj Ali Moez to put the tie beyond doubt.
Ali Conteh briefly restored hope for the visitors early in the second half, but an own goal by Alpha Kamara on 71 minutes sealed a comfortable win for Monastir.
Having dominated both legs, the North Africans progress as one of the early favourites in qualifying.
Nsingizini Hotspurs oust Simba Bhora on penalties
Nsingizini Hotspurs kept their CAF Champions League dream alive after defeating Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora 4–2 on penalties, following a 1–0 second-leg win that levelled the tie 1–1 on aggregate.
The Eswatini side forced the shootout when Shongwe Nkosingiphile struck in stoppage time (90+1’) to cancel out Simba Bhora’s first-leg advantage.
In the shootout, Hotspurs held their nerve while the visitors faltered from the spot, sealing progression to the second preliminary round at the first attempt.
It was an afternoon built on resilience for the hosts, who created the better late chances and finished the job from twelve yards to advance.
Rivers United edge through as Rahimo hold their nerve in shoot-out
Nigeria's Rivers United and Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC both advanced to the second preliminary round with contrasting wins in Port Harcourt and Franceville.
Stephen Manyo’s strike deep into first-half stoppage time earned Rivers United a 1-0 victory over Aigles du Congo and a 1-0 aggregate success after a goalless first leg.
The midfielder reacted quickest to a loose ball on 45+6 minutes, and Rivers – comfortable after the break – saw out a disciplined second half to book their place in the next round.
In Gabon, Rahimo of Burkina Faso survived a tense evening against AS Mangasport.
After 180 minutes without a goal (0-0 on aggregate), the tie went to penalties where the visitors were clinical, converting four of their attempts to win the shoot-out 4-2.
Mangasport missed their opening two kicks and never recovered, allowing Rahimo to progress despite another tight contest.