Al Hilal, Mangasport make strong starts in CAF Champions League

Al Hilal Omdurman and Gabon’s Mangasport were among the strongest performers in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27 First Preliminary Round, as the competition continued across the continent on Saturday. Al Hilal secured a 2-0 away win against Burundi’s Aigle Noir, putting themselves in a favorable position for the return fixture at home next weekend. Similarly, Gabon champions Mangasport triumphed 3-1 over Namibia’s African Stars at home, giving them a significant advantage heading into the second leg.

Tunisia’s Club Africain leads Djoliba 1-0 as they head to Mali for the second leg, while Madagascar’s CFFA travels to Lesotho with a similar lead after a 2-0 victory over Lijabatho. South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu also claimed a 1-0 home win against Somalia’s Heegan in another recent match.

Senegal’s Teungueth, who defeated Guinea-Bissau’s FC Canchungo 1-0 on the road, is well positioned for the return leg at home. In Uganda, Vipers and FC Nouadhibou shared a 1-1 draw, leaving the possibility of further competition when they meet again in Mauritania. Côte d’Ivoire’s FC San Pedro and Nigerian visitors Rivers United also ended the night 1-1, giving Rivers United the home advantage for the second leg.

Sudan’s Al Merreikh edged out Zambia’s Power Dynamos 1-0 in their match, but will need to improve when they travel for the second leg. Gaborone United came close to a home victory against Tanzania’s Young Africans, ending in a 1-1 draw and leaving the tie uncertain for the return fixture in Dar es Salaam.

Goalless draws between Chad’s Aiglons and Ethiopia’s Sidaama Buna, as well as Sierra Leone’s Star Sport Academy and Medina United of The Gambia, have left those matches wide open. The First Preliminary Round return legs will be played from September 11-13, with the victors advancing to the Second Preliminary Round as the competition heats up for group stage positions.