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CAF Champions League

Lifeline for continental competition clubs

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As this season’s CAF inter-clubs competition kicks off this weekend, the clubs in the opening round have been offered financial  lifeline by CAF. According to a press statement by CAF this Friday,  the Clubs participating in the Preliminary Stages of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup will each get $50 000.

This is in line with CAF  President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s promise to improve club Competitions and provide more financial assistance to clubs.

The First Preliminary Round begins with first leg matches scheduled between 16-18 August, followed by return legs from 23-25 August 2024.

The Second Preliminary Round will take place in September, with group stage places at stake.

This is the first time CAF offers financial assistance to Clubs in this stage of the Competition.  Previously, Clubs needed to reach the Group Stages to be eligible to share the overall prize money.

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In the last two years, the CAF Executive has significantly increased investment in African Club Football:

Winners of the CAF Champions League now take USD 4 million,  compared to the 2.5million dollars they received in 2022.

Winners of the  CAF Confederation Cup now take more 2 million dollars – compared to the 1.2 million they received in 2022.

Last year, Clubs benefited from the Financial injection from the African Football League that offered a total prize money of 8 million dollars.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

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Position | Prize Money

Winner | USD 4,000,000

Runner-up | USD 2,000,000

Semi-Finalists | USD 1,200,000

Quarterfinalists | USD 900,000

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3rd of Group | USD 700,000

4th of Group | USD 700,000

 CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Position | Prize Money

Winner | USD 2,000,000

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Runner-up | USD 1,000,000

Semi-finalists | USD 750,000

Quarterfinalists | USD 550,000

3rd of Group | USD 400,000

4th of Group | USD 400,000

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The significant step by CAF addresses the long-standing concerns from Clubs on the travelling and logistical costs associated escalating playing in club continental football.

This financial boost for preliminary round participants complements the existing prize money structure for later stages of both competitions.

This move is expected to incentivize more clubs to participate in continental competitions and raise the overall standard of club football in Africa.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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CAF Champions League

Brazil’s Ribeiro Costa Gone, Rivalry Renewed: Mamelodi Sundowns Reshape Squad Before Remo Stars Showdown

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Brazilian player, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has left Mamelodi Sundowns

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Mamelodi’s talismanic Brazilian player, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has made a sudden departure from the club which is well known for its Brazil-styled football attire. The departure of the player has forced a tactical reset at Sundowns ahead of the CAF Champions League second round clash with Remo Stars.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s champions, Remo Stars, are bracing up for a titanic CAF Champions League second-round showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa — a fixture that not only promises fireworks on the pitch but also rekindles one of African football’s most intense rivalries.

The first leg of the tie will take place in Abeokuta, the temporary home ground of Remo Stars with the return fixture scheduled for South Africa.

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Sundowns, are continental heavyweights — former African champions and perennial campaigners known for their fluid attacking football.

However, the South Africans will enter this contest amid tactical reshuffling following the shock departure of Ribeiro, their Brazilian talisman and last season’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) Footballer of the Year.

New coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged the impact of Ribeiro’s exit but insists the Tshwane-based side are evolving into a more unified team rather than relying on individual brilliance.

“No player will replace Lucas because that’s not what we are looking for,” Cardoso told reporters after Sundowns’ first league loss of the season.

“We are looking to reinforce the team and make it completely different. Ribeiro was unique, but now we must play more as a collective.”

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Cardoso revealed that Sundowns have recruited Portuguese playmaker Nuno Santos from Vitória Guimarães and are closing in on another Portuguese midfielder, Miguel Reisinho, to enhance their creative options.

Despite this transition phase, the South African champions remain formidable, boasting one of the continent’s most technically balanced squads. Their clash with Nigeria’s Remo Stars — debutants in this elite stage — offers a fascinating contrast between experience and ambition.

Beyond the football itself, the fixture taps into a storied Nigeria–South Africa rivalry that has shaped African football narratives for decades — from national team duels at the Africa Cup of Nations to club-level battles in CAF competitions.

Matches between sides from both nations have often been fierce, emotionally charged, and symbolic of continental supremacy.

For Remo Stars, this encounter represents both a massive test and an opportunity to make a statement.

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The Ikenne-based side, known for their youthful energy and tactical discipline, will aim to upset the odds against one of Africa’s richest and most accomplished clubs.

Their head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, is expected to lean on the attacking prowess of Adams Olamilekan and the creativity of Ebuka Anthony to breach Sundowns’ disciplined defence.

With pride, prestige, and progression on the line, all eyes will be on the two legs of this Nigeria–South Africa contest — a battle that goes beyond footballing tactics to touch the nerve of a continental rivalry steeped in passion and history.

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CAF Champions League

CAF Champions League: Rivers United Edge Les Aigles 1–0 to Reach Next Round

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Rivers United have advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after defeating Les Aigles of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0 in the return leg on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Following a goalless stalemate in the first leg in Kinshasa, the Nigerian side sealed progression on a 1–0 aggregate scoreline, thanks to a first-half strike that proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.

The win sends Rivers United into the second preliminary round, where they will face the winner of the tie between AC Léopards of Congo and Black Bulls of Mozambique.

With this result, Rivers United join Remo Stars in the second round of the CAF Champions League.

The next round is scheduled to hold between October 17 and 26, while the group stage kicks off in November

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CAF Champions League

Remo Stars Advance to Face Sundowns After CAF Champions League Triumph

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Remo Stars have sealed their passage into the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after edging Comoros’ US Zilimadjou 1–0 in Abeokuta on Friday, completing an emphatic 5–0 aggregate victory.

Forward Alex Oyowah struck the decisive goal in the 74th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot to settle the return leg at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.

With a four-goal cushion from the first leg in – courtesy of strikes from Lamine Ndenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adams Goïta and Seun Olasupo – coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s side approached the second leg  tie with composure and tactical discipline.

Despite Zilimadjou’s spirited attempt to salvage pride, Remo Stars’ organisation off the ball ensured the visitors rarely threatened.

The Sky Blue Stars grew in confidence as the game wore on, controlling possession and protecting their clean sheet before Oyowah’s late strike put the result beyond doubt.

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The Nigerian side will now brace for a tougher test in October when they meet South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be one of the glamour fixtures of the next round.

Other return-leg fixtures across the continent are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with the full line-up for the second preliminary round to be confirmed thereafter.

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