Nigerias Enugu Rangers, Dekedaha FC of Somalia and South African heavyweights Orlando Pirates have become the first three teams to secure progression from the first round of the CAF Champions League qualifying phase.
In the first of three second-leg matches played on Friday, Rangers recorded a 1-1 draw at home to US Zilimadjou (Comoros) in Uyo, but advanced 2-1 on aggregate with Agu Kenechukwus opener in the match proving crucial. The Nigerian club will face either Saint Louis Suns United (Seychelles) or Sagrada Esperanca (Angola) in the next phase.
In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Dekedaha played out a thrilling 3-4 home loss to Arta Solar (Djibouti), but on the strength of their 2-0 away win at the same venue last weekend they advanced 5-4 on aggregate and will take on Tunisias Esperance de Tunis next month.
Finally, in Soweto, Pirates thumped CNaPS Sport (Madagascar, also known as Disciples) 4-0 thanks to goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Karim Kimvuidi.
The Buccaneers took the tie by the same 4-0 aggregate score line and will face the winner of the tie between fellow Southern African clubs African Stars (Namibia) and Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana).
