CAF Champions League Qualifying - Second Round Fixtures and Dates Announced

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Mamelodi Sundowns face Wiliete de Benguela in the 2nd preliminary round.
Orlando Pirates drawn against African Stars for group stage qualification.
Group stage runs from 27 Nov 2026 to 24 Jan 2027 ahead of knockout rounds.

Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to defend their CAF Champions League crown (Getty Images).

The CAF Champions League 2026–27 second preliminary round features a number of intriguing ties, with South Africa’s two representatives both facing tough tests.

After the fixtures were finalised, it was confirmed that defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Angola’s Wiliete de Benguela.

CAF Champions League Group Stage Format

The CAF Champions League 2026–27 begins with the preliminary rounds before moving into a 16-team group stage, with the teams divided into four groups of four. Each club plays the other teams in its group home and away, giving each side six group matches. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals.

Knockout Ties Over Two Legs

From the quarter-finals through the semi-finals, ties are played over two legs, home and away. The team with the better aggregate score advances. If the aggregate is level, away goals are used as the first tie-breaker; if away goals are also level, the tie is decided by penalty kicks. The final is a single match, with extra time and penalties used if necessary.

So, with Mamelodi Sundowns entering as the holders and Orlando Pirates also in the second preliminary round, both South African clubs have a two-legged tie to negotiate before potentially joining the 16-team group stage. The 2026–27 group stage is scheduled to run from 27 November 2026 to 24 January 2027, followed by the knockouts.

CAF Champions League Qualifying Second Round Fixtures

Fixture	1st Leg	2nd Leg
Wiliete de Benguela vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
Scottland FC vs Atletico Petroleos	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
African Stars vs Orlando Pirates FC	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
15 de Agosto OR Fomboni FC de Moheli vs Simba SC	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
CFFA vs Young Africans	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
Swehly SC vs E.S.T	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
APR FC vs Zamalek SC	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
El Merreikh SC Bentiu vs Pyramids FC	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
Sidaama Buna FC vs Al Hilal SC	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
Star Sport Academy vs RS Berkane	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
MAS Fès vs ASEC Mimosas	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
Tengueth FC vs Colombe Sportive DL	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
Rangers Int'l FC vs MC Alger	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
FC San Pedro vs FC Nouadhibou	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
Horoya AC vs Al Merreikh SC	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct
TP Mazembe vs Club Africain	16–18 Oct	23–25 Oct

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.