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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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.

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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The surprising first leg results of the first Preliminary Round of the CAF Champions League have set up a fascinating weekend across the continent as the return legs are played from Friday.

With the second-leg ties to decide who reaches October’s final qualifying hurdle, several favourites carry sizeable cushions, but many contests are delicately poised.

Nigeria’s Remo Stars delivered the first-leg’s most eye-catching 4-0 scoreline with Lamine Ndenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adams Goïta and Seun Olasupo all on target. 

Zilimadjou’s famous Stade de Moroni atmosphere is rarely forgiving for visitors in Comoros, but a four-goal deficit means the home side can just hope to rattle the Nigerians early.

Tunisian pair Espérance and Monastir banked emphatic away wins, while Nigeria’s Remo Stars, Tanzania’s Young Africans, Orlando Pirates and Petro de Luanda also opened up clear leads.

Elsewhere, a glut of stalemates means several ties now resemble one-off cup finals with qualification to October’s second preliminary round at stake. 

Holders Pyramids will play their postponed preliminary ties on 1 and 5 October after their FIFA Intercontinental Cup commitments; Al-Merreikh v St Éloi Lupopo has also been slated.

Heavyweights with one foot through

Espeance return to Rades with authority and options having won the firsrt leg tie 3-0 at AS FAN of Niger. Aboubacar Diakité’s second-half brace in Niamey helped them to the victory. 

They’ll be overwhelming favourites to complete the job, with AS FAN needing an early breakthrough to stir any jeopardy.

Their compatriots Monastir smothered East End Lions in Freetown, scoring once before the break and three more late on to seal the 4-0 win.. 

The Sierra Leoneans must chase goals away from home, a task complicated by Monastir’s compact shape and counter-threat.

Tanzanian champions Young Africans return to a packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium with three away goals and a clean sheet. Angolan club Wiliete would need something extraordinary to flip the script.

Orlando Pirates have a commanding cushion when they host Lioli of Lesotho. The South Africans’ task now is game-state management at the Orlando Stadium after winning the first leg 3-0.

Petro de Luanda’s continental nous told in Curepipe with a 3-0 away win over Cercle de Joachim. The Angolans are strong favourites to finish the tie at home, where their front line usually finds space as opponents push on.

Meanwhile Stade d’Abidjan, Ethiopian Insurance, Police FC of Kenya are all well-placed to take advantage of their first-leg wins. 

Knife-edge ties poised for drama

Elsewhere one of the round’s premium ties hangs on a single goal from Innocent Kashita as Zambia’s Dynamos face ASEC in Abidjan hoping to turn their narrow 1-0 into a second-leg advantage.

With no advantage banked, RS Berkane’s experience at this stage makes them marginal favourites in Morocco, yet Togolese side Kara’s pace in transition keeps this alive.

A tight goalless draw in the first leg in Benin leaves everything to play for in Tripoli. Ahly Tripoli will be buoyed by home backing, but Dadjè’s organisation and set-piece threat suggest a nervy night ahead for the Libyans.

Second legs are scheduled for 26–28 September across the continent. The winners advance to the second preliminary round on 17–19 and 24–26 October; the group stage begins 21 November.

The broader pathway also matters. Africa’s heaviest hitters, including record winners Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, enter in the next round.

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