Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held goalless by Angola’s Wiliete Sport Clube, while Tanzania’s Young Africans demolished Madagascar’s CFFA 4–0.

South Africa’s premiership defending champions Orlando Pirates secured a crucial victory, and Libya’s Swehly stunned Tunisian giants Espérance.

The results intensified the battle for group-stage places and offered an early glimpse of potential continental contenders.

Young Africans produced one of the weekend’s most convincing performances, crushing CFFA 4–0.

The goals came from C. Touré, A. Kangwanda, M. Yahya and M. Nzengeli.

Their attacking contributions demonstrated the Tanzanian side’s firepower and ability to punish defensive mistakes.

Orlando Pirates also impressed, defeating Namibia’s African Stars 1–0. Thalente Moremi scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, handing the South African club an important advantage heading into the second leg.

Morocco’s Renaissance Sportive de Berkane defeated Star Sport Academy 2–0, with Oussama Lamlioui scoring twice in the first half.

Egyptian giants Pyramids Football Club and Zamalek Sporting Club had also secured narrow 1–0 victories earlier in the week, underlining the strength of several established contenders.

Mamelodi Sundowns began their title defence with a goalless draw against Wiliete Sport Clube in Angola.

Although the South African champions avoided defeat, their failure to score leaves the tie delicately poised before the return match.

Elsewhere, Swehly recorded a historic 1–0 victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

Ayoub Ayed scored in the 64th minute, handing the Libyan side a valuable lead against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.

Guinea’s Horoya Athletic Club defeated Sudan’s Al-Merrikh Sporting Club 1–0 through Yakhouba Gnagna Barry’s goal just before half-time.

Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo impressed by beating Senegal’s Teungueth Football Club 2–0 away.

Jean Hughes Eyango Priso opened the scoring before Adam Musah doubled the advantage shortly after the interval.

Morocco’s Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès and Ivory Coast’s Association Sportive des Employés de Commerce Mimosas drew 1–1.

Noureddine Oussama scored for the Moroccan side, but Bamba Souhalio struck deep into stoppage time to rescue ASEC Mimosas.

Tout Puissant (TP) Mazembe and Tunisia’s Club Africain drew 1–1 in a tightly contested encounter.

Ivory Coast’s San Pedro Football Club beat Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou 2–1, with M. Karamoko scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

Zimbabwe’s Scottland Football Club defeated Angola’s Atlético de Luanda 2–0, while Nigeria’s Rangers International Football Club overcame Algeria’s Mouloudia Club d’Alger by the same scoreline.

Sudan’s Al-Hilal also claimed a 2–0 away victory over Ethiopia’s Sidama Coffee, strengthening their position ahead of the return leg.

Nevertheless, Young Africans, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, Pyramids, Zamalek, Scotland and Orlando Pirates have made encouraging starts.

Mamelodi Sundowns remain formidable contenders despite their opening draw, while Espérance must overturn their deficit to avoid an early setback.

Colombe Sportive and Al-Hilal also deserve attention after impressive away victories.

The return fixtures will determine which clubs advance. In this competition, reputation alone guarantees nothing. Clinical finishing, defensive discipline and composure under pressure will determine who survives—and who ultimately lifts Africa’s most prestigious club trophy.