MAS Fes host ASEC Mimosas on Sunday, 18 October, in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the African Champions League, with both sides aiming to take an early step towards the group stage.

The match will be played at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes in Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 local time. That is 20:00 in France and 18:00 in Cote d’Ivoire (GMT).

The fixture will be shown on Arryadia TNT and SNRT Live in Morocco, while viewers in Cote d’Ivoire can watch on RTI La 3. The game is also expected to be available through a number of international television packages, including beIN Sports MENA, Canal+ Sport Afrique and SuperSport, subject to availability in individual countries.

MAS Fes are back in the African Champions League after a lengthy absence and will be looking to build on a convincing opening tie in qualifying.

The Moroccan side made a strong start to their campaign by eliminating Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC in the first preliminary round. They secured a 4-1 victory at home before completing the job with a 0-0 draw in the second leg.

ASEC Mimosas required a more difficult route through the opening round. The Ivorian club drew 1-1 away to Togo’s ASC Kara, then sealed progress with a 2-1 victory in Abidjan.

Their domestic form, however, has been less consistent at the start of the season. The Yellow and Blacks lost 1-0 to Yamoussoukro FC before drawing 0-0 with Stella Club and 1-1 with AFAD.

The tie carries particular significance for both clubs. MAS Fes won the CAF Confederation Cup in 2011 and are seeking a return to prominence in African football. ASEC Mimosas, African champions in 1998, are hoping to reach the group stage again.

The second leg will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, where ASEC Mimosas will have home advantage as they attempt to settle the contest in front of their supporters.