CAIRO — The first-leg of the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 second preliminary round served up plenty of drama and goals as clubs across the continent began their final push toward the group stage of Africa’s second-tier competition.
In Cairo, Egyptian giants Zamalek took a commanding step toward the Round of 16, cruising to a victory over Somali champions Dekedaha.
In Ndola, Zesco United of Zambia edged Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana in a thrilling seven-goal encounter, eventually prevailing 4–3 in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
In Zanzibar, Azam FC of Tanzania secured a valuable 2–0 away win over KMKM SC, a result that puts them firmly in control heading into the return leg at home.
Zamalek hits Dekedaha
Zamalek took a huge stride toward the Round of 16 with a commanding 6-0 win, dismantling Somali champions Dekedaha in a one-sided first-leg encounter at Cairo International Stadium.
The Egyptian giants dominated from start to finish, showcasing their trademark attacking flair and composure to underline their status as one of the continent’s elite clubs.
With the tie now firmly in their grasp, the White Knights will look to complete the job in the return leg, which—by mutual agreement between the two clubs—will also be held in Cairo next Friday at Al-Salam International Stadium.
Zesco 4–3 Galaxy
Fans in Ndola witnessed a seven-goal thriller as Zesco United of Zambia came from behind to defeat Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana in one of the most entertaining ties of the round.
Galaxy drew first blood through Thabang Sesinyi, who struck twice inside the opening 30 minutes to silence the home crowd.
But Zesco hit back almost immediately when Hiver Amine equalised with a smart finish before converting a penalty on the stroke of half-time to make it 2–2.
The Zambian champions took control in the second half through quickfire goals from Kabaso Chongo (71’) and Chilongoshi Zachariah (74’) to go 4–2 up.
Galaxy reduced the deficit late on via Chicco Molefe in the 88th minute, setting up a tense return leg in Botswana next weekend.
The win keeps Zesco’s strong home record in CAF competitions intact, though the away goals conceded could prove crucial.
KMKM 0–2 Azam
In Zanzibar, Tanzanian giants Azam FC took a big step towards the group stage after defeating KMKM 2–0 at the Amaan Stadium.
Goals from Jephte Kitambala (6’) and Pascal Msindo (42’) secured a comfortable first-leg advantage for the Dar es Salaam-based club.
Azam were disciplined throughout, controlling possession and limiting KMKM’s chances, as the visitors put one foot firmly in the next round.
In other matches, Al-Ittihad (Libya) was held 0–0 by Al-Masry (Egypt) in a tense North African derby, while DR Congo of Simba and Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa also played out a goalless draw.
Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto were frustrated to a goalless draw by last season’s semi-finalists, Stellenbosch FC who is looking at continuing with the great form displayed last season.
Despite dominating most of the possession, the hosts could not break the disciplined defense of the South Africans who go home with the advantage of a clean sheet.
Congolese side, Maniema Union was also held to a draw as Eswatini’s Royal Leopards managed a hard-fought 1-1 draw away from home to set up what promises to be an even tougher encounter in Eswatini next week.
