The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League kicked off on Friday with Ugandan side Vipers SC earning a crucial away win, while Tanzania’s Young Africans stole the spotlight with a commanding performance in Angola.
Playing in Namibia, Vipers SC showed their intent early against African Stars, striking in the 14th minute through defender Hillary Mukundane, who pounced on a set-piece to give his side a 1–0 lead. The Venoms then displayed tactical discipline, closing down spaces and frustrating the home team for the remainder of the match. Despite late pressure from African Stars, Vipers held firm, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of next week’s return leg in Kitende.
Elsewhere, Young Africans (Yanga SC) delivered the biggest statement of the day with a convincing 3–0 away victory over Angola’s Wiliete. Goals from Aziz Andabwile, John Edmund, and Prince Dube capped off a professional display that leaves the Tanzanian champions with one foot in the second preliminary round. Their clean sheet and three away goals all but seal the tie before the return leg in Dar es Salaam.
In Cotonou, Benin’s Dadjè FC held Libyan giants Al Ahly Tripoli to a 0–0 draw, keeping the contest finely balanced. The disciplined performance from Dadjè ensures that Al Ahly will have to raise their game back in Tripoli, where home advantage could prove decisive.
This weekend’s fixtures mark the start of a long road to the group stage, scheduled for November 21. Heavyweights such as Al Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, and defending champions Pyramids FC await in the next stages, while Rwanda’s APR are set to join later in the campaign.
For Vipers and Yanga, the mission next week is clear: finish the job at home and book their place in the next round. For African Stars, Wiliete, and Al Ahly Tripoli, the challenge will be to regroup quickly and make their home advantage count when the second legs take place between September 26–28.
