AFCON 2025
The return fixtures of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup opening round produced convincing displays from several sides across the continent, with five teams sealing their spots in the next phase.
OC Safi 5–0 Nigelec (6–0 agg.)
In Morocco, OC Safi blew past Niger’s Nigelec with a commanding 5–0 win, wrapping up the tie 6–0 on aggregate. The hosts set the tone early, kept the visitors pinned in their own half, and never looked threatened as they cruised into the next round with total control.
Azam FC 2–0 Al Merreikh (4–0 agg.)
Azam FC of Tanzania followed up their first-leg win with another composed performance, beating Sudan’s Al Merreikh 2–0 in Dar es Salaam. The victory completed a 4–0 aggregate result. Azam balanced solid defending with sharp finishing, underlining their growing confidence ahead of tougher tests.
Zesco United 5–0 Canon FC 105 (5–2 agg.)
Zesco United staged the biggest turnaround of the round. After losing the first leg, the Zambian side stormed back with a 5–0 home win over Canon FC 105 of Gabon to finish 5–2 overall. Their high tempo and pressing suffocated the visitors as Zesco capitalised on every opportunity.
Otoho d’Oyo 0–0 1 de Agosto (2–1 agg.)
Republic of Congo’s Otoho d’Oyo did just enough to see off 1 de Agosto of Angola. A goalless encounter in the second leg was enough to protect their 2–1 first-leg advantage. They showed discipline and game management to keep their opponents at bay and move forward.
Asante Kotoko 1–0 Kwara United (5–3 agg.)
Asante Kotoko of Ghana booked their place thanks to a narrow 1–0 away win over Kwara United, completing a 5–3 aggregate triumph. The visitors kept their composure and controlled key moments, shutting down Kwara United’s response attempts to see out the tie.
With these results, OC Safi, Azam FC, Zesco United, Otoho d’Oyo and Asante Kotoko all progress to the second preliminary round of the competition.
