EL KANEMI Warriors of Maiduguri yesterday failed to capitalize on home advantage as they drew 1-1 to the visiting FC Dadji Union of Benin Republic in the first leg, the first round of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup
In the match played in Remo, Ogun State, their continental home ground, the visitors scored first in the 60th minute through Bless Salassi before Gimba Ajiji made it 1-1 in stoppage time.
In the CAF Champions League, Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca secured a crucial victory in Niger, while Young Africans triumphed with a 4-0 away win over FC Vitalo in the first leg of the first preliminary round also on Saturday.
The first-leg matches of the preliminary round in the CAF inter-club competitions held on 17 August showcased intense team efforts and fierce rivalries.
Both competitions were marked by significant rivalry and enthusiasm, with clubs aspiring to continue their journey toward continental glory and fulfil the dream of clinching the African title.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia earned a 2-1 victory on the road against Burundi’s FC Vitalo. Namibia’s Africa Stars also claimed a 1-0 win over Gaborone Galaxy of Botswana.
Raja Casablanca defeated AS Garde Nationale 2-1 in Niger. Saber Bougrine opened the scoring for the Casablancas in the 20th minute, but their opponents equalized in the 37th minute. However, Marouane Zila restored Raja Casablanca’s lead in the 66th minute, securing a 2-1 win for the Moroccan club.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
The CAF Confederation Cup was equally thrilling, featuring high-scoring clashes like the match between Alizé Fort and Black Bulls Maputo, where the visitors secured a resounding 7-0 victory. Meanwhile, the match between Union Touarga and Racing Abidjan ended in a goalless draw.
CS Constantine triumphed over Rwandan club Police FC with a 2-0 victory at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine. Ibrahim Deeb scored the first goal from the penalty spot in the 45+5th minute, and Nigerian player Tosin added the second in the 78th minute.
Results of the first-leg matches in the CAF Champions League preliminary round:
- FC Villa Jogo 1-2 Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
- FC Vitalo 0-4 Young Africans
- Africa Stars 1-0 Gaborone Galaxy
- Ngazi Platinum 0-0 AS Maniema
- Saint-Louis 0-1 Sagrada Esperança
- Garde Nationale 1-2 Raja Casablanca
- Red Star 0-0 Djoliba Bamako
- Stade d’Abidjan 1-1 FC Teungueth
- Bo Rangers 1-1 San Pedro
- Douanes du Burkina Faso 0-0 Cotonou du Bénin
- Al Nasr 0-0 Al-Merreikh
Results of the first-leg matches in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round:
- Kanemi 1-1 FC Dadji Union
- FC Foresters 1-1 Orapa United
- CS Constantine 2-0 Police FC
- Hotspurs 0-3 Stellenbosch United
- Alizé Fort 0-7 Black Bulls Maputo
- Bravo FC 3-0 Union Coastal
- Touarga 0-0 Racing Abidjan
Eighteen-Eleven Media