The CAF Champions League 2025/26 is heating up as the continent’s premier club competition reaches its critical second preliminary round. Scheduled between October 24 and 26, 2025, this stage will be the defining moment for 30 teams battling fiercely for the coveted 16 slots in the group stage. African football landscapes will be reshaped, histories reconsidered, and dreams ignited as these clubs from all corners of the continent showcase their skills, tactical prowess, and unyielding hunger for glory. With football giants, rising clubs, and passionate fans locked in a contest that transcends sport, the stakes could not be higher. The tournament, backed by major sponsors like TotalEnergies, Adidas, Nike, and Puma, also reflects the vibrant ecosystem supporting African football’s growth.
For those immersed in the rhythms of African football, this phase delivers both drama and insight. Clubs like Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Al Ahly represent established footballing powerhouses, while challengers from emerging leagues add unpredictable spice. Broadcast partners including beIN Sports, MTN, and Fly Emirates are ensuring fans stay connected, underscoring the growing global interest in African competitions. The encounter between contenders is not just about progression in the tournament; it’s an emotional journey that embodies community pride, club legacies, and continental prestige. As the second preliminary round unfolds, every goal, tactic, and moment of magic can alter the course toward the group phase, setting the scene for some of African club football’s most compelling narratives yet.
Key highlights:
- Thirty fierce fixtures in the race for 16 group stage spots.
- Elite clubs and rising stars battling for continental glory.
- Orlando Pirates vs Saint-Éloi Lupopo: a tense encounter in Lubumbashi.
- Broadcast changes in Egypt and South Africa affecting fan access.
- Strategic use of squads amid domestic and African schedules.
Second Preliminary Round Fixtures and Scheduling Insights for the 2025 CAF Champions League
The second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League 2025 carries a packed schedule with intense clashes across Africa from October 24 to 26. This phase represents the penultimate test before the lucrative group stages, compelling teams to demonstrate their tactical depth, physical resilience, and strategic acumen.
The first legs of this round unfolded from October 17 to 19, featuring encounters such as Kenya Police against Al Hilal, Monastir versus JS Kabylie, and the high-profile clash between Aigle Noir and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. The second legs will finalize which clubs progress, with some matches poised for nail-biting finishes. Take, for instance, the encounter between Remo Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns on October 25 in Nigeria’s Abeokuta, a fixture that promises a tactical masterclass between two sides aiming for redemption after challenging starts to their seasons.
Scheduling takes into account a crowded calendar, balancing domestic league responsibilities and continental ambitions. For example, Saint-Éloi Lupopo in DR Congo is preparing for domestic restart delayed until late October while prioritizing the championship clash against Orlando Pirates of South Africa. This clash in Lubumbashi, broadcasted widely until a recent rights issue, exemplifies the logistical complexities clubs face in pursuing continental success.
- October 17-19: First leg matches across the continent.
- October 24-26: Second leg decisive fixtures.
- November 21, 2025: Group stage commencement with four groups of four.
- March 13, 2026: Knockout phase begins, spotlighting quarterfinal showdowns.
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 17, 2025 | Kenya Police vs Al Hilal | Kenya | First Leg Played |
| October 18, 2025 | Monastir vs JS Kabylie | Tunisia | First Leg Played |
| October 18, 2025 | Aigle Noir vs Al Ahly | Burundi | First Leg Played |
| October 19, 2025 | Lupopo vs Orlando Pirates | DR Congo | First Leg Played |
| October 25, 2025 | Remo Stars vs Mamelodi Sundowns | Nigeria | Second Leg Scheduled |
| October 26, 2025 | Nouadhibou vs Stade Malien | Mauritania | Second Leg Scheduled |
This scheduling framework, combined with the intensity expected on the pitch, amplifies the drama and unpredictability of the African football scene. For deeper schedules and TV rights, connect to dedicated sources like CAF Champions October Fixtures and TV Rights CAF Champions League.
Orlando Pirates’ Crucial Tie Against Saint-Éloi Lupopo: A Clash of Continent’s Traditions
One of the most anticipated fixtures in the second preliminary round is between South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo. This matchup combines rich football heritage, passionate fanbases, and strategic battles that showcase African football’s evolution.
Orlando Pirates enters the tie under the guidance of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, exhibiting remarkable form this season with 11 wins out of 14 across all competitions, showcasing defensive solidity with seven clean sheets and a potent attack netting 24 goals. As the first Bucs coach to record eight consecutive victories, Ouaddou has injected new confidence and structure, transforming Pirates into formidable continental contenders.
Conversely, Saint-Éloi Lupopo, nicknamed ‘The Railmen’, prepared meticulously with two goalless friendlies, sharpening their defensive resilience ahead of the double-legged encounter. Despite a domestic season starting late, their focus remains keen, and home advantage will play a critical role at Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi.
- Orlando Pirates: 11 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw in 14 games (all comps, 2025).
- Saint-Éloi Lupopo’s defensive preparations included goalless friendlies versus Groupe Bazano and AS Simba.
- Matchday one saw Orlando Pirates dominate Lesotho’s Lioli FC with a 7-0 aggregate.
- The venue, Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba, is known for its electrifying atmosphere.
The match attracted widespread attention, originally set to air live on SABC 1 and DStv. However, a sudden revocation of broadcast rights by Saint-Éloi Lupopo decreased TV accessibility, disappointing many followers who anticipated watching the ‘Buccaneers’ navigate their path to the group stage. Despite this setback, the game’s intensity on the field remains undimmed, reflecting the passion embedded in African club competitions.
| Team | Recent Form 2025 | Coach | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Pirates | 11W – 2L – 1D | Abdeslam Ouaddou | Strong defense, fast counter-attacks, tactical discipline |
| Saint-Éloi Lupopo | Steady defensive friendlies preparation | Local coaching staff | Home advantage, physical resilience |
The stakes for this tie highlight broader dynamics within African football, where historical success interplays with emerging narratives. The Pirates are chasing a continuation of their legacy beyond the 1995 triumph that etched their name into CAF history, while Lupopo pursues a chance to rewrite their own chapter amid fiercely competitive landscapes. For further insights into the legacy and tactical nuances shaping these teams, explore CAF Champions League Africa and Player Discipline in CAF Matches.
Tactical Battles and Player Spotlights Defining Qualification Battles
The second preliminary round delivers a fascinating blend of tactical theories and individual brilliance as teams jostle to seize one of the 16 coveted spots for the group phase. Coaches across the continent lean on strategy and adaptability, making every fixture an engaging chess match on African soil.
Teams with deep experience in continental football, like Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, rely on disciplined structures and use possession-based gameplay combined with sharp counterattacks. Their ability to manage two-legged ties is often decisive. For clubs like Remo Stars of Nigeria and Stade Malien of Mali, tactical flexibility and physicality become crucial weapons against more fancied opponents.
- Pressing intensity varies with home advantage: aggressive pressing at home, more conservative away.
- Set pieces have become critical: teams increasingly rely on corners and free kicks to break tight defenses.
- Youth players introduced to inject pace and unpredictability up front.
- Defensive cohesion prioritized, particularly avoiding costly yellow cards in two-legged ties.
| Key Tactical Themes | Examples | Impact on Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Defense | Mamelodi Sundowns’ low block strategies | Limiting clear chances, playing on counter |
| Fluid Attack | Orlando Pirates’ counter-attacking speed | Quick transitions breaking lines |
| Set-Piece Efficiency | Al Ahly’s well-rehearsed corners | Scoring from dead-ball situations |
Standout players often redefine such battles — the clinical finishing of forwards, the composure of midfield maestros, and the leadership in defense can swing outcomes. Spotlights shine brightly on players who balance flair with tactical discipline, especially in matches broadcast with extensive coverage by partners like beIN Sports, CAFOnline, and Pepsi-sponsored initiatives.
Those fascinated with football’s evolving tactical trends may find further in-depth analysis on African football leagues and CAF competitions at African Football Leagues Insights and CAF Competitions Success Secrets.
Legacy, Passion, and the Road Ahead: Understanding the Stakes in the Group Stage Qualification
The CAF Champions League’s allure lies not only in its present competition but in the rich heritage and community pride that underpins it. Qualification to the group stage symbolizes far more than mere advancement. It signals hope, financial stability, and the chance for clubs to cement their place among Africa’s elite.
Historically, clubs like Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca have used the group stages as springboards for continental dominance, fueled by massive fanbases and commercial partnerships with Nike, Umbro, and other global brands. The financial rewards and exposure that come from advancing bolster youth development programs, enhance infrastructure, and inspire a new generation of players driven by legends such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o.
- Group stage qualification often leads to increased sponsorship from brands like Adidas and Pepsi.
- Players gain continental visibility, helping them earn moves to bigger leagues worldwide.
- Clubs experience financial boosts critical for local economies and football ecosystems.
- The competition nurtures a Pan-African football identity, blending tradition with modernity.
| Benefit | Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Stability | Prize money, TV deals, merchandise sales | Al Ahly’s sustained continental success financing academy development |
| Player Development | Exposure to higher competition levels | Samuel Eto’o’s rise from African club football to global stardom |
| Community Pride | Bringing diverse communities together through sport | Local fans rallying behind clubs during CAF matches |
Looking beyond 2025, these dynamics underline the transformative potential of African football. Historic clashes, intense rivalries, and inspired performances in the second preliminary round build momentum leading into the group phase, where the fight intensifies for the quarterfinal and eventually the coveted championship trophy.