The second preliminary-round second legs of the 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup began on Friday, 23 October, with Red Arrows eliminating Kaizer Chiefs on penalties.

Kaizer Chiefs overturned a 1-0 first-leg defeat in Zambia by recording the same score at home. The result left the tie level on aggregate and forced the teams into a shootout, where Red Arrows prevailed 3-2.

The South African side therefore missed out on the next stage, while Red Arrows secured their place in the competition.

Primeiro de Agosto also progressed after completing a second victory over DC Virunga. Having won the first meeting 2-1, the Angolan club claimed a 1-0 victory in the return fixture to go through with a 3-1 aggregate score.

Raja Casablanca secured qualification in front of their home supporters after overcoming El-Kanemi Warriors.

The Moroccan side had drawn an eventful first leg 2-2, but produced a more decisive performance in the return match, winning 2-0. That result put Raja Casablanca through to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Raja Casablanca booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a 2-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie.

The Moroccan side advanced 4-2 on aggregate after the teams had drawn 2-2 in the first leg.

Raja dominated possession for long periods at the Complexe Sportif Mohammed V but found it difficult to break down a well-organised El-Kanemi Warriors defence.

The hosts were eventually rewarded for their persistence in the 87th minute, when Aymen Barkok struck to put Raja in front.

Defender Marian Huja then confirmed the result in the fourth minute of added time, scoring Raja’s second goal of the night at 90+4.

The late double ensured the Casablanca club avoided a tense conclusion to the tie and moved into the group stage of the continental competition.

Niger won the UFOA-B U17 tournament after beating defending champions Cote d’Ivoire on penalties in the final at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou on Friday, 23 October 2026.

The match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes before Niger prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to claim the regional trophy.

Cote d’Ivoire made the stronger start and took a 1-0 lead into half-time, with Yeboua Ruben Kouabenan scoring for the holders.

Niger responded after the interval to bring the final level and force a contest that could not be settled in normal time. The two teams remained locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation, sending the decisive match to penalties.

Niger proved more composed from the spot, converting three penalties while Cote d’Ivoire scored once. The result secured the title for Niger in a closely fought final and ended Cote d’Ivoire’s reign as champions.

The match was also a qualifying final for the CAN U17, with Niger completing their campaign by taking the regional crown in Ouagadougou.

Final result: Cote d’Ivoire 2-2 Niger (Niger win 3-1 on penalties).

Raja Casablanca are provisionally through to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after a goalless first half against El-Kanemi Warriors in the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie.

The sides remain level at 0-0 at the break at the Complexe Sportif Mohammed V in Casablanca, with the Moroccan club benefiting from the away-goals rule following a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Nigeria.

El-Kanemi Warriors have defended in a compact and disciplined shape, making it difficult for Raja Casablanca to find a way through.

The hosts have controlled possession for much of the opening half but have lacked the necessary sharpness in the final third to break the deadlock.

Despite their provisional qualification, Raja Casablanca will need to be more incisive after the interval if they are to avoid a tense finish at the Complexe Sportif Mohammed V.

MC Alger overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Enugu Rangers to reach the CAF Champions League group stage with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The Algerian side won 3-0 at the Ali-Ammar Stadium in Douera on Friday evening, completing a remarkable turnaround after their defeat in Nigeria.

MC Alger controlled much of the match but initially struggled to break down a well-organised Enugu Rangers defence. With the home crowd urging them forward, Patrice Beaumelle’s side continued to attack and scored twice to level the tie on aggregate.

That set up a tense finish, with the decisive goal arriving in the final moments of the match. The late strike secured qualification for MC Alger and sparked celebrations among their supporters.

The result places Mouloudia among Africa’s top 16 clubs and completes a memorable night for Algerian football.

Cote d’Ivoire lead Niger 1-0 at half-time in the UFOA-B U17 final at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

Yeboua Ruben Kouabenan scored the only goal of the opening half in the 22nd minute, giving the Elephanteaux the advantage in Friday’s regional final, played on 23 October 2026.

Niger must find a response after the interval to keep their hopes of levelling the match alive. Cote d’Ivoire will aim to protect their lead and move closer to winning the title.

Half-time: Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 Niger

Goal: Yeboua Ruben Kouabenan, 22 mins.

Wiliete SC have reached the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time after eliminating holders Mamelodi Sundowns on the away-goals rule.

The Angolan club advanced after a 1-1 aggregate draw over the two legs, producing one of the competition’s biggest surprises and ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ 10-year run of appearing in the group stage.

Mamelodi Sundowns took the lead in Friday’s second leg in South Africa when Tashreeq Matthews scored in the 11th minute. The hosts had been expected to build on that advantage after the opening match in Angola ended goalless.

However, Wiliete SC levelled four minutes after half-time through forward Mabululu. His 49th-minute goal proved decisive because it was scored away from home.

The result secured a historic qualification for Wiliete SC, who progressed from a tie in which they made the most of their opportunities.

The starting line-ups for the decisive CAF Confederation Cup second leg between Raja Casablanca and El-Kanemi Warriors have been announced shortly before kick-off.

Raja Casablanca will start with El Mehdi Al Harrar in goal, alongside Mohamed Boulacsout, Badr Benoun, Marian Huja and Ishak Zidani in defence.

Michael Agbekpornu, Othmane Chraibi and Bilal Ould-Chikh are included in midfield, while Youness Dahmani, Adel Bettaieb and Mathias Oyewusi complete the Raja Casablanca XI.

Raja Casablanca XI: El Mehdi Al Harrar, Mohamed Boulacsout, Badr Benoun, Marian Huja, Ishak Zidani, Michael Agbekpornu, Othmane Chraibi, Bilal Ould-Chikh, Youness Dahmani, Adel Bettaieb, Mathias Oyewusi.

El-Kanemi Warriors named Ibrahim Iddrisu to start, with Samuel Ganda, Murtala Ibrahim, Bakura Jibrin and Usman Abbas also selected.

Lawal Shehu Giwa, Jimoh Gbadamosi, Henry Ndedi, Bright Etaghara, Nnamdi Mejuobi and Kelvin Osas make up the remainder of the El-Kanemi Warriors line-up.

El-Kanemi Warriors XI: Ibrahim Iddrisu, Samuel Ganda, Murtala Ibrahim, Bakura Jibrin, Usman Abbas, Lawal Shehu Giwa, Jimoh Gbadamosi, Henry Ndedi, Bright Etaghara, Nnamdi Mejuobi, Kelvin Osas.

MC Alger produced a dramatic late turnaround to reach the CAF Champions League group stage, while Raja Casablanca secured their return to African club competition with victory over El Kanemi Warriors.

The Algerian side overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit by beating Enugu Rangers 3-0 at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Algiers on Friday. The result gave MC Alger a 3-2 aggregate win in the second preliminary round and booked their place in the group stage.

The comeback matched a feat achieved by the club 50 years ago, when MC Alger also overturned a result against the same opponents in the semi-finals in 1976.

MC Alger had several opportunities to break the deadlock before half-time, with chances falling in the 35th, 44th and first minute of added time. They finally took the lead in the 58th minute when Chahreddine Boukholda headed in after a team-mate had flicked on a corner.

Mohamed Zougrana then saw his headed effort loop over the crossbar in the 65th minute. The hosts missed another opportunity to extend their advantage five minutes later when Mohamed Saliou Bangoura failed to convert a penalty awarded after Marwane Khelif had been fouled.

Bangoura made amends in the 85th minute, restoring the aggregate advantage MC Alger needed to progress. The decisive moment came in the second minute of added time, when Soufiane Bayazid met a corner and finished to complete the turnaround.

The qualification means MC Alger have reached the CAF Champions League group stage for the third consecutive time.

Raja Casablanca also claimed a place in the group phase of the CAF Confederation Cup after ending a year-long absence from African inter-club competition.

The Moroccan club beat El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 at the Mohammed V Stadium to progress 4-2 on aggregate. Raja had drawn 2-2 in Nigeria in the first leg last week, leaving them in a strong position before the return match.

The home side had to wait until the closing stages to make that advantage count. Aymen Barkok opened the scoring with a direct free-kick in the 88th minute, before Marian Huja added a second in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The result sends Raja Casablanca back into the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after their season away from African club competition.

Morocco must wait for results in four other groups to discover whether they have done enough to reach the knockout stage of the Women’s U17 World Cup after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat by Argentina on Friday.

The Atlas Lionesses needed only a draw in their final Group A match to secure a place in the last 16 at the tournament being held at home. Instead, they were beaten by Argentina, who are competing at the Women’s U17 World Cup for the first time.

The match was played on the fourth pitch at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, where Morocco’s poor start proved costly. Youness Rabie’s side conceded four times before half-time, with Argentina scoring in the 14th, 29th, 35th and 45th+2 minutes.

Morocco had also been punished by a difficult opening period in their previous match, a 4-2 defeat by Germany on Tuesday. That followed a promising start to the tournament, when they beat New Zealand 4-0 on 17 October.

They attempted to respond after the interval and reduced the deficit in the 58th minute through Paris Saint-Germain forward Nessma Mouradi, who is 17. Mouradi had also scored Morocco’s only goal against Germany, but her effort did not spark a wider recovery.

Argentina added a fifth goal in the 73rd minute to complete the victory and move above Morocco in the Group A standings.

Germany finished top with nine points from nine after beating New Zealand 2-0. Argentina’s win lifted them into second place, while Morocco dropped to third.

The hosts now have to wait for the conclusions of Groups C, D, E and F to learn whether they will qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams. Their route to the last 16 therefore remains open, but it is no longer under their direct control.

Morocco had faced a similar situation at the previous edition of the competition, when they also had to qualify through the best third-placed teams route to reach the knockout stage.

AS Nancy-Lorraine secured a narrow 1-0 win against Stade Lavallois on Friday, with Ilyes Housni providing the decisive moment in a closely contested Ligue 2 encounter.

The 21-year-old Moroccan striker supplied the assist for Zakaria Fdaouch, who scored the only goal of the match in the 68th minute. Housni’s delivery helped Nancy break the deadlock and ensured they took all three points on the 10th matchday of the season.

The assist further underlined Housni’s growing influence in Nancy’s attack. While he has shown an ability to pose a threat in front of goal, he is also proving capable of creating opportunities for his team-mates to make the difference.

Friday’s contribution takes Housni’s tally to three assists since the beginning of the campaign. His latest decisive involvement came as Nancy held on to claim victory over Laval.

Housni is under contract with Nancy until June 2029. The player is valued at one million euros by Transfermarkt, and at 21 he continues to develop in Ligue 2 while seeking to play an increasingly important role in his club’s performances over the coming matchdays.

At 17, Abdellah Ouazane is attracting attention from some of the leading clubs in European football. The Ajax Amsterdam midfielder is being closely monitored by Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus, according to Ekrem Konur.

The level of interest underlines the growing reputation of a player regarded as one of the promising young talents emerging from the Dutch club.

Ouazane’s contractual position could give Ajax considerable control over his future. He is under contract with the Amsterdam side until June 2028, leaving the club in a strong position should any of his admirers decide to make a formal approach.

The teenager already has experience at senior international level with Morocco. He also holds Dutch nationality, giving him connections to both countries as he continues his development within European football.

His international background and progress at Ajax have added to the interest surrounding him, although it remains unclear whether the attention from Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus will lead to concrete offers in the coming months.

According to Transfermarkt, Ouazane’s current market value is estimated at 8 million euros.

Ajax Amsterdam are next due to play Sparta Rotterdam in the 10th round of the Dutch championship. The listed odds for the match are 1.41 for an Ajax victory, 4.60 for a draw and 5.00 for a Sparta Rotterdam win.

Warren Bondo could leave AC Milan during the January transfer window, with Bologna having made enquiries about the 23-year-old midfielder’s situation, according to Nicolo Schira.

Bondo does not appear to be part of the Rossoneri’s plans and Bologna are considering a move to strengthen their midfield. The Italian club are understood to be exploring a loan deal with an option to buy.

That arrangement would allow Bologna to assess Bondo’s performances before deciding whether to make the transfer permanent. The player, who is of Congolese origin, is contracted to AC Milan until June 2029.

Bologna’s interest could be helped by Bondo’s relationship with Raffaele Palladino. The midfielder and the manager worked together at Monza, and that previous connection may influence Bondo’s decision if he is offered the chance to move in January.

Bondo is currently valued at 4m euros by Transfermarkt. A move away from AC Milan this winter could give him more regular playing time and an opportunity to revive his progress, while Bologna continue to examine the terms of a potential deal.

Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after Wiliete SC progressed from a closely contested second qualifying round tie.

The South African club, regulars on the continental stage, were held to a goalless draw in the first leg before another stalemate in the return match. The sides drew 1-1 in South Africa, a result that was not enough to keep Mamelodi Sundowns in the competition.

Wiliete SC advanced on the away-goals rule, which remains in use in this tournament. Their goal in South Africa proved decisive and secured their place in the next round.

The result brings Mamelodi Sundowns’ continental campaign to an unexpectedly early end. Wiliete SC, meanwhile, produced a notable result by eliminating one of African football’s best-known clubs and can now target a place in the group stage.

ASEC Mimosas will host Maghreb de Fes on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League at stake. The second-leg tie is finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first meeting, but the Ivorian side hold the advantage of having scored away from home.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. The match will be broadcast on beIN CONNECT MENA HD, beIN Sports MENA 1 HD, SuperSport Variety 4 HD, Azam Sports Channel and Canal + Sport Afrique.

First meeting leaves tie open

The clubs had never faced each other before this season’s second qualifying round. Their first competitive encounter came on 18 October 2026 in Meknes, where they drew 1-1 on the MAS pitch.

That result gave ASEC Mimosas a valuable foothold ahead of the return match in Abidjan. Having scored on the road, the Ivorian club would qualify with a goalless draw at home on Sunday.

ASEC appeared to be heading for defeat in the opening leg before salvaging the draw in the 90th minute and three minutes of stoppage time. The late equaliser strengthened their position and means they can progress without needing to win the return fixture.

For Maghreb de Fes, the outcome was especially damaging. The Yellow Tigers had led for much of the match after scoring around the half-hour mark and looked set to secure a home victory. However, conceding in the final moments denied them that advantage.

The Moroccan side now have to score in Abidjan if they are to remain in contention for a place in the group stage. A draw would not be enough unless they score at least once, while defeat would end their campaign.

ASEC favourites to progress

ASEC Mimosas go into the decisive match with the benefit of home support at the Felicia and the confidence gained from their late equaliser in Morocco. Their position is strengthened by the fact that they only need to avoid defeat to move through.

Africafoot’s pre-match assessment is that ASEC’s home form and defensive resilience could prove decisive against a Maghreb de Fes side that must attack. The prediction is for the Ivorian club to win 1-0 and confirm its place in the CAF Champions League group stage.

MC Alger are facing elimination from the CAF Champions League after being held to a goalless draw by Enugu Rangers at half-time in this decisive tie.

The Algerian side have struggled to break through a well-organised Nigerian defence during an intense but scoreless first half.

Enugu Rangers arrived with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg and have managed the match calmly so far, defending their aggregate lead effectively.

As things stand, Enugu Rangers are on course to secure qualification, leaving MC Alger in need of a significant second-half performance to overturn the tie.

MC Alger are facing elimination from the CAF Champions League after being held to a goalless draw by Enugu Rangers at half-time in this decisive tie.

The Algerian side have struggled to break through a well-organised Nigerian defence during an intense but scoreless first half.

Enugu Rangers arrived with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg and have managed the match calmly so far, defending their aggregate lead effectively.

As things stand, Enugu Rangers are on course to secure qualification, leaving MC Alger in need of a significant second-half performance to overturn the tie.

Cote d’Ivoire and Niger have confirmed their starting line-ups for the UFOA-B U17 final, with a place at the CAN U17 at stake. The match takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026 at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

Cote d’Ivoire will start with Bernard Hugues Tape in goal. Their outfield players are Kouadio Constant Gouagbou, Ange Emmanuel Zoko, Alex Fousseni Bamba, Madou Karamoko Dolo, Chancel Landry Bazo Rogo, Koni Christ Adzogble, Yeboua Ruben Kouabenan, Alousseni Diakite, Ali Mohamed Camara and Mohamed Haidara.

Ange Emmanuel Zoko will captain the Ivorian side, which is managed by Elian Serge Esmel Gnagne.

Niger have selected Aamdoullahi Sani Oumarou as their goalkeeper. The rest of their starting XI comprises Saminou Salissou Hoshou, Abdoulaye Ayouba Abdoulaye, Oumarou Abdoulaye Moussa, Abdoul FatahOU Habibou Hancou, Ibrahim Issa Touba, Amadou Hamidou Gourdouza, Abdoul Kader Salami Sani, Abdoul Razak Mounkeila Zada, Aboubacar Sadik Zaindou Boukari and Mouhamed Ibrahim Idrissa.

Oumarou Abdoulaye Moussa wears the captain’s armband for Niger, who are coached by Issa Mai Dikouma.

The official line-ups have been announced less than an hour before the decisive CAF Champions League meeting between MC Alger and Enugu Rangers.

MC Alger must overturn their two-goal deficit from the first leg, and the Algerian side’s coach has responded by selecting an attacking starting XI. The aim is to put Enugu Rangers under pressure from the opening minutes and bring the Ali-Ammar stadium crowd into the contest.

The visitors have chosen a compact and disciplined approach. Enugu Rangers will look to use their physical strength and protect their valuable two-goal advantage as they attempt to complete the tie.

MC Alger’s starting team is:

MC Alger XI: 1. Ramdane 3. Khelif 8. Ferhat 12. Zougrana 18. Bangoura 19. Ghezala (captain) 20. Halaimia 21. Abdelkader 23. Mehdaoui 24. Naidji 27. Menezla

Lukasi Plamedi continued his remarkable start to the season in Lebanon by scoring his sixth goal in four matches as Tadamon Sour beat AC Tripoli 2-1 away from home.

The 22-year-old Congolese striker struck during the fourth round of the championship, producing another decisive contribution to help Tadamon Sour claim an important victory on the road.

His latest goal has strengthened his position at the top of the competition’s scoring charts. Plamedi has now scored six times in only four appearances, giving him an exceptional early-season scoring rate.

The forward’s form represents another significant step in his career since moving to Lebanon. He signed an official three-year contract with Jwaya SC before joining Tadamon Sour on loan.

Known by the nickname “Sarkozy”, Plamedi has made an immediate impression with his finishing ability. His rapid adaptation to Lebanese football has already made him one of the leading revelations of the opening weeks of the domestic campaign.

His progress has been built on experience gained across a number of clubs in African football. Plamedi previously played for Etoile d’Or Junior, IC Bafana and FC Nico Nico in the Republic of the Congo.

He also featured for AC Manga in Ligue 2, FC Tanganyika in the Illicocash Ligue 1, AS Butras in the Coupe du Congo and New Songer.

That journey has helped develop him into an experienced goalscorer before his move to the Middle East. His performances for Tadamon Sour suggest he has carried that scoring instinct into his new surroundings.

Plamedi has also been able to settle into life in Lebanon alongside two fellow Congolese players who are familiar names in the country’s football community.

Tukumbane Banga and Kashala Wanet, both former FC Saint Eloi Lupopo players, were also recruited by the Lebanese club. Their presence has provided Plamedi with the support of compatriots as he continues his first season in Lebanon.

With his goals helping Tadamon Sour collect valuable points, “Sarkozy” is continuing to attract attention and maintain his place at the summit of the scoring standings.