BUJUMBURA – The race to the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage intensified as record holders Al-Ahly of Egypt, Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman, Malawi’s Silver Strikers, and Mozambique’s Black Bulls all secured narrow first-leg wins in the second preliminary round.
It was a day of fine margins, with every result setting the stage for decisive return fixtures across the continent next weekend.
Al-Ahly triumphs in Burundi
Egyptian powerhouse Al-Ahly began their quest for a record-extending 13th CAF Champions League crown with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Burundi’s Aigle Noir in Bujumbura, marking a positive start to life under new Danish coach Jess Thorup.
The first-leg clash of the Round of 32, held at Intwari Stadium and officiated by South Africa’s Luxolo Badi, saw the Red Devils dominate proceedings from the outset, though they were made to work hard for their breakthrough.
The decisive moment came in the 36th minute when Aigle Noir defender Iragi K. inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross, handing the visitors a crucial lead.
The result gives Thorup’s men a valuable away advantage heading into the return-leg in Cairo on Saturday, October 25, as they continue their pursuit of another group-stage berth and an unprecedented 13th continental triumph.
Silver stuns Africans
Malawian champions Silver Strikers produced one of the standout results of the weekend, defeating Tanzanian giants Young Africans 1–0 in Lilongwe.
Substitute Austin Yosefe was the hero, heading home in the 76th minute to give the hosts a famous victory.
Yanga, last season’s semi-finalists, will now need to overturn the deficit in Dar es Salaam to progress.
Bulls hold off Rivers
In Maputo, Black Bulls secured a vital 1–0 win over Nigeria’s Rivers United in a cagey affair.
The winner came early in the second half when the Mozambican side finally broke through the visitors’ resistance in the 50th minute through Moctar Diallo.
Rivers United now face a tough task back home in Port Harcourt.
Hilal strike in Nairobi
Meanwhile in Kenya, Al-Hilal Omdurman edged Police FC 1–0 courtesy of an early strike from Adama Coulibaly in the 20th minute.
The Sudanese side looked composed throughout and managed the game well to secure a professional away win.
The result leaves Police FC needing an upset in the return leg in Omdurman to stay alive in the competition.
JS Kabylie secured am emphatic 3-0 away victory over Monastir of Tunisia in Friday’s other game.
The visitors are now in a good position to finish off the seconds leg at home in Algeria to reach the group stage of the competition.
