Pirates, Sundowns Eye Early Advantage in CAFCL Second Preliminary Round

by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath

image Pirates, Sundowns Eye Early Advantage in CAFCL Second Preliminary Round
The 2026-27 CAF Champions League is set to enter a crucial phase, with the Second Preliminary Round fixtures now confirmed. Africa’s biggest clubs face difficult assignments, including South African heavyweight Orlando Pirates and reigning continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Orlando Pirates Handed Blow in First Leg Clash Against African Stars

Africa’s premier cup competition is set to enter the Second Preliminary Round next month, and all eight matches on the cards will be covered in our CAF Champions League predictions. 

Orlando Pirates face a stern test in this round against African Stars. The Buccaneers survived an early scare by beating La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate in the last round, while Stars overcame Gabonese outfit Mantasport on away goals after their tie ended 3-3 on aggregate. 

Pirates were handed a bit of a blow heading into the first leg, though. Due to African Stars not having a CAF-approved stadium in Namibia, they were initially expected to use the Lucas Moripe Stadium as their adopted home ground for the first leg of this tie. 

However, the Namibian outfit has sprung a surprise by securing an agreement to use the Botswana National Stadium instead. The official correspondence from the club read: 

"The date is set. The venue is confirmed. African Stars will face Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.”

Despite this, the Bucs are still the clear favourites to progress to this season’s CAFCL main draw. The reigning South African champions have made an impressive start to their domestic season, winning four and drawing just one of their five league games, while conceding only once to date. 

Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, are set to make their first appearance in this competition after winning the title last term. Masandawa will take on Wiliete SC of Angola, who are featuring in Africa’s top-tier competition for the second time in their history.

CAFCL Second Preliminary Round Fixtures Confirmed

There are eight matches on the card for October 17, with all matches set to kick off simultaneously at 17:00 (GMT). 

CAFCL Fixtures:

  • CFFA vs Young Africans
  • APR FC vs Zamalek
  • African Stars vs Orlando Pirates
  • Star Sport Academy vs RS Berkane
  • Wiliete SC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Scottland FC vs Petro de Luanda
  • Enugu Rangers vs MC Alger
  • TP Mazembe vs Club Africain