CS Constantine and CS Sfaxien secure group stage spots

CS Constantine from Algeria have advanced to the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after a dominant performance against Ghanaian side Nsoatreman FC.

The Algerian club secured their place with a 1-0 victory on Saturday, 22 September, at the "Martyr Hamlaoui" Stadium in Constantine.

This win followed their earlier 2-0 triumph in the first leg in Accra, giving them a 3-0 aggregate win.

The only goal of the match was scored by the prolific striker Zakaria Benchaâ, who found the net with a powerful strike in the 19th minute.

Benchaâ, who had previously scored twice in the first leg, continued his impressive form, sealing the victory for his team.

Meanwhile, CS Sfaxien of Tunisia also progressed to the group stage after defeating Burundi's Rukinzo FC 1-0 in their second-leg encounter.

The decisive goal came from Firas Skhiri in the 73rd minute, ensuring a 2-0 aggregate win after their identical victory in the first leg.

However, it was heartbreak for South Africa's Sekhukhune United, who, despite winning 2-1 at home against Angola’s Lunda Sul, failed to advance.

The aggregate score was tied at 2-2, but Lunda Sul progressed on the away goals rule, having won the first leg 1-0.

The second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup will conclude on Sunday, 22 September, with several exciting matches to determine the remaining teams that will join the group stage.