The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 second preliminary round continued on Sunday with a dominant showing from top sides, as South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Simba SC of Tanzania and St Éloi Lupopo of DR Congo took commanding first-leg leads, while MC Alger of Algeria earned a valuable away draw in Cameroon.
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns took a commanding lead in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 second preliminary round tie after thrashing Nigeria’s Remo Stars 5–1 away on Sunday.
The visitors were ruthless from the start, with Tashreeq Matthews’ early strike setting the tone before Peter Shalulile doubled the advantage before halftime.
Miguel Reisinho added a third in the 61st minute, followed by goals from Arthur Sales and Tsiki Ntsabeleng to complete a five-star performance.
Remo Stars’ consolation came from Samson Olasupo in the 77th minute, but it did little to dent the Sundowns’ dominance.
The emphatic result leaves Miguel Cardoso’s men firmly in control ahead of the return leg in Pretoria, where they are expected to seal qualification for the group stage as they continue their quest for a second continental crown.
Elsewhere matches, played across Eswatini, DR Congo, and Cameroon, produced a combined seven goals and showcased the contrasting fortunes of seasoned continental campaigners and ambitious debutants.
Simba too strong for Nsingizini Hotspurs
In Eswatini, Simba SC underlined their pedigree with a professional 3–0 away win over Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Wilson Nangu opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time to break the deadlock before Denis Kibu sealed victory with two late goals in the 84th and 90th minutes.
The Tanzanian giants, semi-finalists in the 2020/21 edition, dominated proceedings and barely allowed the hosts a sniff at goal.
The result puts the Tanzanian side in firm control heading into the return leg in Dar es Salaam.
Lupopo humble Orlando Pirates in Lubumbashi
At the Stade de la Victoire, DR Congo’s St Éloi Lupopo stunned Orlando Pirates of South Africa with a comprehensive 3–0 win.
Wanet Kashala gave Lupopo the perfect start inside three minutes, while Dramane Kambou and a stoppage-time strike from Jean Benoit Tukumbane capped off a memorable performance.
The result leaves the 1995 CAF Champions League winners Pirates with an uphill task when the tie shifts to Johannesburg next weekend.
MC Alger snatch late draw in Cameroon
Elsewhere in Yaoundé, MC Alger showed their resilience to draw 1–1 with Colombe FC.
The hosts went ahead through Inno Loemba in the 14th minute, but Algerian substitute Ayoub Ghezala struck five minutes from time to give MC Alger a crucial away goal ahead of the return leg in Algiers.
Stade Malien secures important away goal against FC Nouadhibou in tough draw
FC Nouadhibou and Stade Malien played out an entertaining 1–1 draw in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie, in a match that combined tactical discipline with moments of attacking flair.
The home side, FC Nouadhibou, began the match with high intensity, looking to assert dominance. Their persistence was rewarded midway through the first half when they broke the deadlock, taking a 1–0 lead and applying early pressure on the Malian side.
Stade Malien, however, showcased their continental experience and tactical awareness. Gradually growing into the match, they tested Nouadhibou’s defense with incisive movements and well-timed runs. Their perseverance paid off in the second half when they drew level, restoring parity and demonstrating their resilience on the road.
The 1–1 result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Bamako. Both sides will head into the second leg with everything to play for, knowing that a single goal could prove decisive in determining who progresses to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
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