NDOLA, Zambia — Red Arrows will open their 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a home first-leg clash against Madagascar’s FC Rouge on Saturday, 5 September.
The two sides meet in the first preliminary round at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00hrs. The winner over two legs will advance to the next stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Red Arrows, one of Zambia’s most consistent clubs in recent seasons, enter the continental campaign aiming to make a strong start on home soil. The Airmen have a solid record in domestic competitions and will look to use the familiar surroundings of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium to build an early advantage before the return leg in Madagascar.
FC Rouge, representing Madagascar, will travel to Zambia seeking to frustrate the hosts and take a positive result back home. The Malagasy side faces a difficult assignment against an organised Red Arrows team that traditionally performs well in front of their supporters.
The first leg represents the beginning of a potentially long journey for both clubs. Success in the preliminary rounds would open the door to the group stage, where the financial and competitive rewards increase significantly. For Red Arrows, a strong showing in the Confederation Cup would also boost confidence for their domestic campaign in the Zambia Super League.
Club officials and supporters will be hoping for a positive atmosphere in Ndola as the team embarks on another African adventure. The home advantage is expected to play an important role, with the Airmen likely to press from the outset in search of an early goal.
The second leg is expected to take place the following week in Madagascar, weather and scheduling permitting. Red Arrows will aim to secure a result that leaves them in a strong position heading into the return fixture.
As the continental season begins across Africa, attention turns to Ndola this weekend, where Red Arrows will look to lay solid foundations for their Confederation Cup campaign against FC Rouge.
