The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 second preliminary round delivered drama and decisive away wins on Saturday, as clubs across Africa began their final push for a place in the lucrative group stage.
In Zambia, Zesco United edged a pulsating 4–3 victory over Jwaneng Galaxy, while in Zanzibar, Azam FC took a commanding step towards qualification with a professional 2–0 away win against KMKM SC.
Zesco United 4–3 Jwaneng Galaxy
Fans in Ndola witnessed a seven-goal thriller as Zesco United came from behind to defeat Jwaneng Galaxy 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 SC 0–2 Azam FC
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.
Elsewhere
In other matches, Al Ittihad (Libya) were 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 are 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 were 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.
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