The first-leg matches continue across Africa on Saturday and Sunday, with former champions, continental heavyweights and ambitious challengers battling for an advantage ahead of the return fixtures scheduled for 23–25 October.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), 32 clubs are competing in this round, with 16 places in the group stage available.
Friday results: 16 October
• Welwalo Adigrat University 0–4 Al Ahli Tripoli: The Libyan side secured a convincing away win in Ethiopia, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
• ZED FC 1–1 Azam FC: Egypt’s ZED FC and Tanzania’s Azam FC shared the spoils, leaving the tie finely balanced before the return match.
Saturday fixtures: 17 October
All kick-off times are in West Africa Time (WAT, GMT+1).
• 2:00 p.m. — Kitara FC vs Al Ahly: Egyptian giants Al Ahly begin their campaign against Uganda’s Kitara FC as they seek to progress towards the group stage.
• 2:00 p.m. — Red Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs: South African side Kaizer Chiefs travel to Zambia for a challenging first-leg encounter against Red Arrows.
• 3:30 p.m. — ES Zarzis vs Real Bamako: Tunisia’s ES Zarzis host the Malian side in a contest that could prove important in deciding who advances.
• 5:00 p.m. — Académie de FAD vs CS Sfaxien: Tunisian giants CS Sfaxien face a trip to Côte d’Ivoire to take on Académie de FAD.
• 5:00 p.m. — CO Korhogo vs FAR Rabat: Morocco’s FAR Rabat begin their campaign away to Ivorian opponents CO Korhogo.
• 5:00 p.m. — Rayon Sports vs Black Bulls: Rwanda’s Rayon Sports welcome Mozambique’s Black Bulls in another important first-leg match.
• 6:00 p.m. — AS Douanes vs CR Belouizdad: Algerian club CR Belouizdad travel to Mauritania to face AS Douanes.
Sunday fixtures: 18 October
Sunday’s programme features seven more first-leg matches, including a meeting involving Nigeria’s El Kanemi Warriors and Moroccan heavyweights Raja Casablanca.
• Tusker FC vs Singida Black Stars: Kenya’s Tusker FC face Tanzanian opposition in a cross-border East African contest.
• Durban City vs Port Louis: South Africa’s Durban City host the Mauritian side Port Louis.
• Vita Club vs Primeiro de Agosto: DR Congo’s Vita Club take on Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto.
• El Kanemi Warriors vs Raja Casablanca: Nigeria’s El Kanemi Warriors face one of Morocco’s best-known clubs in a major test of their continental ambitions.
• Kabuscorp vs Maniema Union: Angola’s Kabuscorp do Palanca host DR Congo’s Maniema Union.
• FC Diarra vs ASKO Kara: Mali’s FC Diarra meet Togo’s ASKO Kara.
• Panthers FC vs USM Alger: Defending champions USM Alger begin their title defence away to Equatorial Guinea’s Panthers FC.
Return legs scheduled for next weekend
The second-leg matches will take place from 23 to 25 October. The 16 winners on aggregate will advance to the group stage, where the competition will move closer to determining the next CAF Confederation Cup champions.
With Al Ahli Tripoli already holding a three-goal advantage and ZED FC and Azam FC level after Friday’s matches, the remaining fixtures promise a competitive weekend of African club football.