The 2026/27 CAF Champions League second preliminary round return legs will be played this weekend with teams seeking progression to the group stages.
Several traditional powerhouses are under pressure after losing their opening matches, while other contenders have established valuable first-leg leads.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will highlight Friday’s matches as they look to seal the win after a first leg stalemate.
The CAF Champions League group stages are scheduled to kick off on November 27, with four groups and a total of 16 teams.
With plenty of matches to look forward to, we have a look at some of the top games scheduled for the weekend and offer our predicted outcome.
Petro Atletico vs Scottland FC – Friday, 5:30PM – 11 November Stadium
Petro Atlético, one of Angola’s established continental clubs, must overturn a two-goal deficit against Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC, who produced an impressive 2–0 victory in the first leg.
Scottland’s goals came from former Zimbabwe internationals Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, giving the visitors a valuable advantage before travelling to Angola.
The home team were the favorites ahead of the first leg but have it all to do now in front of their home fans.
The first leg was the only competitive match between these two sides, with the second leg odds highly pushign toward a home win.
Prediction – Petro Atletico to win
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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wiliete – Friday, 9PM – Lucas Moripe Masterpieces Stadium
Sundowns were held in a barren draw in the first leg last Sunday and have it all to do when they host the return leg.
The South African heavyweights remain among the leading contenders for the continental crown, but the opening result means they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Both teams come into the game with respectable unbeaten runs to defend, as Sundowns have not lost since a Cup game in August – 10 games.
Wiliete are also unbeaten in their last nine games and are confident after a respectable first leg performance.
The hosts are expected to dominate possession, and their home advantage should give them an edge over their opponents here.
Orlando Pirates vs African Stars – Friday, 9PM – Orlando Stadium
Pirates return to South Africa with a narrow but valuable advantage after winning the first leg 1–0 in Namibia.
The Buccaneers are favorites due to their home advantage and are tipped to secure qualification.
However, African Stars still have a realistic opportunity to make the tie uncomfortable after a respectable first leg performance.
Pirates come into the game on a better run of form, winning four of their last five games in all competitions.
The Namibian outfit have plenty of work to do after winning just one of their last five matches, losing all the rest.
Pirates are well placed to progress, and the win market looks more appealing than expecting a high-scoring encounter.
Prediction – Orlando Pirates to win
Pyramids vs El Merriekh – Saturday, 8PM – 30 June Stadium
Pyramids FC have a narrow advantage after securing a 1–0 away victory in South Sudan.
The Egyptian club will be looking to finish the tie at home, where their technical quality and ability to control possession should help them dictate the match.
El Merriekh failed to get something out of the first leg at home and with the form Pyramids are on, this will likely be a one-sided contest.
Pyramids have won 11 consecutive games ahead of this and are tipped as favorites to extend their winning run.
They have the advantage in quality and aggregate score. Qualification is the strongest angle, with a home win a reasonable alternative.
Prediction – Pyramids to win
Zamalek vs APR – Saturday, 8PM – Cairo International Stadium
Zamalek return to Cairo with a 1–0 aggregate advantage after winning in Rwanda.
The Egyptian side have a strong continental pedigree and will be keen to avoid an upset in front of their home supporters.
APR FC, however, have little choice but to pursue a goal. If the Rwandan side score first, the tie will become much more complicated for Zamalek.
The hosts have not lifted the continental title since 2002 and need to see this tie out to inch closer to glory.
These sides are no strangers to each other, and Zamalek have been the better side from their head-to-head history.
Zamalek have won four of the last five matches played against APR. The last time the Rwandese outfit managed a win against their opponents was in 2004.
Prediction – Zamalek to win
Simba vs 15 de Agosto – Sunday, 4PM – Isamuhyo Stadium
The Tanzanian powerhouse have all but guaranteed a place in the group stages after a remarkable 6-1 demolition of de Agosto in the first leg.
Ibrahim Doumbia came off the bench to bag a brace to inspire the six-goal rout, putting them at ease ahead of the return leg on Sunday.
Simba have been a constant presence in the CAF Champions League but are still yet to win the title, with this season looking to be one they can go all the way.
They bring an 11-game winning run into this match, making it even more difficult for the Equatorial Guinea side to get anything out of this game.
Prediction – Simba to win