from AHMED MOOLAH in Cairo & AKANI CHAUKE in Johannesburg
Africa Bureau
(CAJ News)

The biggest surprise was the elimination of defending Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns, who were knocked out by Angola’s Wiliete de Benguela on the away-goals rule after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Sundowns drew 0-0 away before settling for a 1-1 home draw in Pretoria.

Tashreeq Matthews scored for the South Africans, but Angolan international Mabululu equalised, securing Wiliete’s historic progression to the group stage.

The result ended Sundowns’ run of 11 consecutive Champions League group-stage appearances, exposing the dangers of underestimating emerging continental opponents.

South Africa’s Orlando Pirates enjoyed a more convincing weekend, defeating Namibia’s African Stars 4-0 in the return leg to advance 5-0 on aggregate.

The Buccaneers demonstrated attacking efficiency and defensive discipline, strengthening their credentials as serious contenders.

Egyptian giants Pyramids FC also progressed comfortably, defeating El-Merriekh Bentiu of South Sudan 4-0 to complete a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Zamalek beat Rwanda’s APR FC 1-0, advancing 2-0 on aggregate.

Other Champions League qualifiers included Morocco’s RS Berkane, who defeated Sierra Leone’s Star Sport Academy 1-0 to complete a 3-0 aggregate triumph, and Tunisia’s Espérance, who progressed after a 1-0 victory over Libya’s Asswehly forced a penalty shoot-out.

In the Confederation Cup, Zambia’s Red Arrows delivered another major upset by eliminating South African giants Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 on penalties.

Chiefs won Friday’s return leg 1-0 through Bradley Cross, levelling the tie 1-1 on aggregate, but their opponents prevailed in the shoot-out.

Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic defeated Nigeria’s El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0, progressing 4-2 on aggregate.

Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto also advanced after a 1-0 victory completed a 3-1 aggregate success over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s DC Virunga.

Tanzania’s Azam beat Egypt’s ZED FC 1-0, qualifying 2-1 on aggregate, while Mali’s Real Bamako progressed 5-3 overall despite drawing 2-2 with Tunisia’s ES Zarzis.

Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli thrashed Ethiopia’s Welwalo Adigrat 4-1, completing an emphatic 8-1 aggregate victory. Mozambique’s Black Bulls drew 2-2 with Rwanda’s Rayon Sports but advanced 4-2 overall.

Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien beat Côte d’Ivoire’s AFAD 1-0, progressing 2-1 on aggregate.

Sunday brought further successes for South Africa’s Durban City, who defeated Mauritius’ AS Port-Louis 3-0 to qualify 6-1 overall, and DR Congo’s Maniema Union, who beat Angola’s Kabuscorp 4-1, advancing 8-2 on aggregate.

Egypt’s Al Ahly thrashed Uganda’s Kitara 4-0, while Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars drew 1-1 with Kenya’s Tusker to progress 2-1 overall.

These results underline African football’s growing competitiveness, where reputation alone guarantees nothing.

Qualification brings clubs closer to valuable prize money, international exposure, sponsorship opportunities and stronger squads. However, early exits also expose weaknesses in recruitment, tactical preparation and finishing.

For African supporters, the weekend reinforced the continent’s footballing unpredictability.

As the group stages approach, the challenge is clear: established giants must adapt, while ambitious newcomers seek to turn qualification into sustained continental success.