CAF Champions League Qualification news

Going by how they have performed on the domestic front, there were fears Masandawana could struggle. However, the Tshwane giants were in a class of their own, as they registered a huge first-leg win.

Mokwena's side were unable to secure a victory in the first-leg encounter. The results mean there is everything to fight for in the second-leg showdown set for October 26, as both sides hope to reach the next stage.

The Brazilians kicked off their CAF Champions League journey with a trip to M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, 19 October, for the second preliminary round of the continental showpiece. Ranked among Africa’s elite, the South African side received a first-round bye; a nod to last season’s run to the final, where they ultimately fell short against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.

The Sea Robbers' hope of a win in the first leg of the second preliminary encounter was dealt a blow after conceding three goals to nil. The Soweto giants now stare at a possible elimination at the early stages of the continental competition.

The Buccaneers travelled to Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba on Sunday, 19 October, hoping to secure a first-leg advantage against the Railmen. But the hosts had other plans, showing no mercy and seizing a crucial home win that leaves the Sea Robbers with work to do in the return leg at Orlando Stadium.

GOAL gives you the details to follow Madandawana's first match in the CAF Champions League this season. They face their Nigerian hosts at MKO Abiola International Stadium on Sunday as they begin the quest to atone for last season's heartbreaking near-miss in the Champions League when they reached the final but lost to Egyptian moneybags Pyramids FC.

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' CAF Champions League second preliminary round, first leg match away at the Railmen on Sunday. The match at Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba will see Pirates pushing to go into the second leg at home carrying an advantage.

Masandawana will be seeking redemption following their elimination from the domestic competition, the Carling Knockout Cup. After falling at the ultimate stage last season to Pyramids FC, Downs hope to win their second continental star this time around.

The duo has been missing in action for quite some time now, owing to injuries, but recent clips from Bucs have shown them actively training with the other first-team members. The Sea Robbers are set for the CAF inter-club outing this weekend, which begs a question on whether the two centre-backs will make their long-awaited return.

The Brazilians are in West Africa as they begin their bid to win the CAF Champions League for the first time since 2016. They have experienced near-misses in recent seasons, including being losing finalists last season. Their coach now opens up on his side's readiness for harsh weather in Abeokuta.

The winger who returned to his former team in search of playtime made a crucial contribution, which saw the league debutants manage a win at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday. Initially, the forward was criticised, but his latest performance seems to have won the coach's trust.

Two Soweto giants, one Congolese cauldron. Amakhosi and the Buccaneers travel to Lubumbashi for high-stakes CAF clashes against AS Simba and Saint Eloi Lupopo, respectively. It’s the second preliminary round and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Soweto’s pride meets the DRC’s passion; this is more than football, it’s a continental reckoning.

The Premier Soccer League will be well represented this weekend across the two CAF inter-club competitions in Africa. The four teams are hoping to get a positive result in the first leg of the annual tournaments. An aggregate win for Mzansi representatives will see the trio get into the group stage and reap big financial rewards.

The two Masandawana stars were not involved in the later stages of the qualifiers as South Africa withstood pressure to qualify for the global showpiece. To be part of the World Cup-going squad, the duo has been told what to do.

The matter involving the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder threatened to block South Africa from qualifying for the global football competition. That left the player himself, SAFA and the team manager under sharp criticism for the way they handled the issue which almost put to waste the work done by Hugo Broos' side.

South Africa return to the global football stage for the first time since 2010 when they hosted the tournament. But they had successfully passed through a qualification campaign when they made it to the 2002 Korea/Japan edition. They now head to North America, and a former Buccaneers skipper is convinced they have what it takes to conquer the world.

Bafana Bafana concluded a successful international break with qualification for the 2026 World Cup. GOAL now turns its attention to the PSL clubs and South African stars taking centre stage in the CAF inter-club competitions this weekend, with an array of challenges awaiting across the continent.