By Razeen Gutta
The CAF Champions League preliminary round got off to a thrilling start with several clubs securing commanding victories.
South Africa’s Orlando Pirates cruised to a 3-0 win over Lioli FC, while Tanzania’s Young Africans beat Wiliete SC 3-0 away from home.
A brace from Tshegofatso Mabasa and a late effort from Oswin Appolis got the job done for former African champions Pirates, who will travel back to Soweto with one foot already in the next round.
Angola’s Petro de Luanda racked up a 3-0 victory in Mauritius. Police FC won 3-1 in Somalia and Power Dynamos edged ASEC Mimosas 1-0 in Zambia.
Ethiopian sides Insurance and Medhin both claimed 2-0 home wins.
These results set the stage for decisive return fixtures on 26-28 September 2025, where aggregate winners will advance to the second preliminary round.
With a place in the group stages on the line, clubs will look to protect leads or mount comebacks in front of home fans.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates
Source: @orlandopirates
