See all 26 clubs that advanced from the CAF Champions League first preliminary round, including Simba, Pyramids, Zamalek, and Nouadhibou.
The first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League concluded with 26 clubs securing places in the next phase following a decisive weekend of return-leg matches across Africa.
Zamalek, Pyramids, TP Mazembe, Orlando Pirates, Al Hilal, Simba and Young Africans were among the major qualifiers, while four ties were settled by away goals and one required a penalty shootout.
Uganda’s Vipers SC were among the eliminated teams. The Venoms drew 0-0 away to FC Nouadhibou after a 1-1 first leg in Kitende, allowing the Mauritanian champions to advance through the away-goals rule.
Teams Qualified for the Second Preliminary Round
| Qualified club | Country |
| African Stars | Namibia |
| Al Hilal | Sudan |
| El Merriekh Bentiu | South Sudan |
| Scottland FC | Zimbabwe |
| Orlando Pirates | South Africa |
| Al-Merreikh | Sudan |
| TP Mazembe | DR Congo |
| CFFA | Madagascar |
| Petro Atlético | Angola |
| MAS Fes | Morocco |
| Club Africain | Tunisia |
| Young Africans | Tanzania |
| Star Sport Academy | Sierra Leone |
| Zamalek | Egypt |
| MC Alger | Algeria |
| Wiliete Benguela | Angola |
| Asswehly SC | Libya |
| Simba SC | Tanzania |
| San Pedro | Côte d’Ivoire |
| ASEC Mimosas | Côte d’Ivoire |
| Horoya AC | Guinea |
| Sidaama Buna | Ethiopia |
| Colombe | Cameroon |
| FC Nouadhibou | Mauritania |
| Pyramids FC | Egypt |
| Teungueth FC | Senegal |
Biggest Aggregate Victories
Several established clubs advanced emphatically. Tanzania’s Simba produced the largest second-leg performance, defeating Mighty Wanderers 6-1 and completing a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Defending Egyptian strength was also evident through Pyramids, who beat Gor Mahia 5-1 in the return fixture and advanced 7-1 overall. Zamalek defeated Ports 4-0 to complete a 6-1 aggregate result.
MC Alger overwhelmed Nigelec 5-0, with every goal coming during the second leg. Wiliete Benguela eliminated Foresters 5-0 on aggregate, while South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu defeated Heegan 3-0 away to finish 4-0 ahead.
TP Mazembe reinforced their reputation with a 3-1 victory over Medeama, progressing 4-1 across the two legs. Morocco’s MAS Fes achieved the same aggregate score against Rahimo.
Away Goals Decide Four Ties
Four teams advanced despite finishing level on aggregate. African Stars overturned a first-leg deficit by defeating Mangasport 2-0, making the aggregate score 3-3 before progressing through away goals.
San Pedro survived a 2-2 draw against Rivers United in Nigeria. Their tie also ended 3-3 overall, but the Ivorian club’s two away goals carried them into the next round.
Star Sport Academy progressed from another close contest after their aggregate meeting finished level. FC Nouadhibou completed the group of away-goal beneficiaries by holding Vipers scoreless in Mauritania.
Colombe Survive Penalty Shootout
The tightest contest involved Stade Malien and Cameroon’s Colombe. Neither side scored across the two legs, forcing the qualifier to be determined from the penalty spot.
Colombe held their nerve to win the shootout 4-3 and progress.
East African Clubs Record Mixed Results
Tanzania celebrated two qualifiers as Simba and Young Africans both advanced. Simba’s dominant display provided a statement, while Young Africans edged Gaborone United 2-1 at home to complete a 3-2 aggregate success.
Ethiopia’s Sidaama Buna defeated Aiglons 3-0 after the first leg ended goalless. South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu also progressed comfortably, giving the region additional representation.
Kenya and Uganda suffered disappointment. Gor Mahia were eliminated heavily by Pyramids, while Vipers exited without losing either leg after Nouadhibou benefited from the away goal scored in Kitende. The official CAF roundup confirmed Sunday’s decisive results.
What Vipers’ Exit Means for Uganda
Vipers’ elimination leaves Uganda without a representative in the CAF Champions League’s next phase. Hilary Mukundane had given the Venoms an early first-leg lead, but Sidi Ahmed Mohamed equalised for Nouadhibou.
The goalless return exposed Vipers’ lack of cutting edge. Farouk Miya, Karim Watambala, Usama Arafat, Yunus Sentamu and Ceasor Manzoki were unable to produce the goal required in Nouakchott.
The result again emphasises the importance of home advantage, set-piece defending and clinical finishing for Ugandan clubs. Domestic dominance alone cannot replace the efficiency and game management demanded by continental football.
What Happens Next?
The 26 qualifiers move into the second preliminary round, where additional seeded clubs may enter, and the competition for group-stage positions becomes more demanding.
CAF scheduled the first legs for October 16-18, 2026, followed by the decisive returns from October 23-25. Clubs should confirm individual dates, venues and kick-off times once arrangements are finalised.
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Conclusion
The opening round produced dominant victories, away-goal drama and one penalty shootout. Twenty-six clubs remain in contention, but the challenges will intensify in October. For Uganda, Vipers’ elimination provides another difficult lesson about converting home opportunities and finding decisive goals away from home.
