Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The CAF Interclub 2024/25 Preliminary Round came to an exhilarating close on Sunday, August 18, featuring a series of thrilling matches that showcased quality football across the continent. The first leg fixtures for both the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup kicked off on Friday, August 16, setting the stage for a brand-new season.
In the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Sunday, Egyptian club Pyramids established a commanding lead ahead of the return leg by decisively defeating Zanzibar’s JKU SCZ 6-0. This resounding victory puts the two-legged affair well out of reach for the islanders. Meanwhile, in Madagascar, Disciples FC managed to hold former champions Orlando Pirates to a goalless draw, setting up an intriguing return leg in Soweto next week. This result is particularly disappointing for the South Africans, who have high aspirations following last season’s early exit from the competition.
Other notable results from the weekend include Nigeria’s Remo Stars edging past Morocco’s AS Far with a close 2-1 victory, while Malawi’s Nyasa Big Bullets triumphed over Zambia’s Red Arrows, also by a score of 2-1.
The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup provided its share of excitement as well, highlighted by a southern African clash between Dynamos FC of Zimbabwe and Zambian powerhouse Zesco United. In a tightly contested match, Dynamos emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, setting the stage for an intriguing return leg this weekend.
In Liberia, Paynesville FC dominated Cameroon’s Fovu De Baham with an impressive 4-0 victory, while Ghana’s Nsoatreman FC cruised past Chad’s Elect Sport with a 3-0 win.
A thrilling encounter between Togo’s ASCK and Niger’s AS Fan saw both teams find the net twice in a balanced match. Despite numerous chances, both goalkeepers played crucial roles in keeping the score level, promising an exciting tactical battle in the return leg. BT/24/8/2024
