The chase for continental glory officially gets underway this week, as the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), kicks-off the much-anticipated Interclub 2024/25 season with the Preliminary Rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
The First Preliminary Round First Leg will take place between 16 – 18 August, with the return leg set to be played between 23 – 25 August 2024.
The Second Preliminary Round will then follow between 13 – 15 September for the first legs of the second round, while the return legs to confirm the draw for the Group Stages will be played between 20 – 22 September 2024.
Title holders Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) are among the highest ranked clubs exempted from the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, while the 12 highest ranked clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup, including holders Zamalek SC are also exempted from the First Preliminary Round.
While this may still be the early stages of both competitions, fans of the African game can expect quality match ups, as clubs across the continent will aim at putting their best foot forward in an attempt to qualify for the second round, and ultimately the group stages of the two respective competitions.
Interesting matches to look out for in the Champions League include reigning Tanzanian champions, Young Africans being away to Vital’O FC of Burundi.
Egypt’s Pyramids FC, who put up an impressive showing last season are up against JKU SC of Zanzibar, while former champions, Orlando Pirates FC face Disciples FC of Madagascar.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, an interesting tie sees Zambia’s Zesco United face off against Dynamos FC of Zimbabwe in what is perfectly poised to be an action packed encounter.
Morocco’s UTS plays host to RS Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire, while Nsoatreman FC of Ghana welcomes TP Elect Sport of the Republic of Chad.
CAF Champions League Fixtures – CLICK HERE
CAF Confederation Cup Fixtures – CLICK HERE
Source: CAF
