The first-leg ties in the second preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup produced contrasting results on Saturday, with RS Berkane securing a valuable away victory while TP Mazembe were held by Club Africain.

In the CAF Champions League, RS Berkane defeated Sierra Leonean side Star Sport Academy 2-0, with Oussama Lamlioui scoring both goals. He opened the scoring in the 14th minute before doubling the Moroccan club’s advantage just before half-time.

The result leaves RS Berkane in a strong position ahead of the return match in Morocco, with a place in the group stage at stake.

FC San-Pedro needed a late winner to overcome Nouadhibou 2-1 in Cote d’Ivoire. Abi Kassi put the home side in front after 11 minutes, but the Mauritanian visitors levelled in the 39th minute.

Mouhamadou Karamoko then settled the match with a goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time, giving FC San-Pedro a narrow advantage to defend in the second leg in Nouakchott in one week.

TP Mazembe were unable to claim a first-leg lead against Club Africain, drawing 1-1 at the TP Mazembe stadium. Kazema Baso gave the visitors the advantage in the 38th minute, but Alain Kante equalised only a minute later.

The two sides will meet again in eight days, when TP Mazembe face a difficult trip to Tunisia to decide who progresses.

AS FAR hold firm in Cote d’Ivoire

In the CAF Confederation Cup, CO Korhogo and AS FAR Rabat played out a goalless draw. The result represents a positive outcome for the Moroccan club, which will have home advantage in the return fixture.

There was also a draw involving another Ivorian team, AF Amadou Diallo, who were held 1-1 by Josna Loulendo’s side in front of their home supporters.

AF Amadou Diallo fell behind in the 51st minute when Josna Loulendo found the net. The hosts responded at the municipal stadium in Abidjan, with Guy Romain Kuyo restoring parity in the 80th minute.

The return matches will determine which teams reach the next stage of the African club competitions, with the first legs having left several ties finely balanced.