Zamalek, Pyramids and Horoya have secured places in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage following decisive second-leg qualifiers on Saturday, 24 October. Tunisia’s Espérance also survived a penalty shootout to advance, underscoring the tension of the competition’s final preliminary round.
Zamalek complete a Cairo double
Egyptian club Zamalek defeated Rwanda’s APR 1–0 in Cairo, repeating their first-leg result to progress 2–0 on aggregate. CAF’s official match roundup reports that the five-time continental champions scored in the opening minute of the second leg. The early advantage left APR needing a substantial turnaround against experienced opposition.
Pyramids progress comfortably
Pyramids FC, also of Egypt, defeated South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu 4–0 in Cairo and advanced 5–0 on aggregate. The result confirmed another Egyptian presence in the group stage and demonstrated Pyramids’ ability to convert their first-leg advantage into a commanding overall victory.
Horoya win on penalties
Guinea’s Horoya AC overcame Sudan’s Al Merrikh 4–2 in a penalty shootout to secure qualification. Penalty shootouts place particular demands on composure and execution after a tie remains unresolved over two legs. Horoya’s progress gives Guinean football representation in the next phase and illustrates the fine margins that can separate clubs in continental competition.
Espérance recover from first-leg defeat
Four-time African champions Espérance Sportive de Tunis entered their second leg against Libya’s Swehly SC trailing 1–0. Imad Faraj scored after eight minutes to level the aggregate score at 1–1. The tie was decided by penalties, with Espérance winning 3–1 in the shootout. CAF’s official report describes the result as a narrow escape for the Tunisian side.
Why qualification matters
The group stage offers clubs additional high-profile fixtures, opportunities for sponsorship exposure and a chance to compete against leading teams from other African leagues. Participation also carries logistical and financial demands, including travel and squad preparation. The sporting benefits are therefore significant, but no club should be assumed to achieve commercial gains of a particular size without financial disclosures.
A competitive continental field
Results across the preliminary round have shown both the experience of established clubs and the ability of challengers to create difficult ties. Espérance’s recovery and Horoya’s penalty victory illustrate that reputation alone is not sufficient. Tactical discipline, away performances and handling pressure remain central to progression.
More fixtures to come
The remaining second-leg matches were scheduled to continue on Sunday, 25 October. As a result, the complete group-stage field should not be presented as final on the basis of Saturday’s results alone. CAF’s official competition updates will confirm the remaining qualifiers and subsequent draw arrangements.
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