What the preliminary round means for the clubs
The 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup kicks off with an early test for four big‑name clubs. Kwara United, fresh from a solid Nigerian league finish, will travel to Ghana to meet Ashanti Kotoko, a side that has dominated the Ghanaian Premier League for the past decade. Across the continent, South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs, a fan favourite with a reputation for attacking flair, are set to host Angolan outfit Kabuscorp in a clash that could decide which team stays in the continental spotlight.
Kwara United's recent form has been built on a sturdy defensive line anchored by veteran centre‑back Ahmed Tijani, while striker Chukwuka Okafor has netted eight goals in the last ten league games. Ashanti Kotoko, on the other hand, relies on the pace of winger Kofi Asare and the clinical finishing of striker Karim Mensah, who topped the Ghanaian scoring charts last season. The mismatch in travel distance—Kwara United will face a long journey to Kumasi—adds an extra layer of difficulty for the Nigerian side.
Key factors that could decide the ties
Both fixtures hinge on a few critical points. For Kwara United, holding a clean sheet in the first leg will be essential; a goal‑free night in Ghana could swing the tie in Kotoko's favour, given the home crowd's intensity. Conversely, if Kwara manages to snatch an away goal, the Nigerian side could toy with the idea of a defensive first‑leg strategy before unleashing their attacking trio in the return match.
Kaizer Chiefs enter the stage with a full squad after a quiet preseason, meaning fitness levels should be high. Their midfield engine, led by Thabo Mokoena, has been praised for controlling tempo and creating chances for forwards Lucky Ngubane and Sipho Dlamini. Kabuscorp, however, will lean on their experienced centre‑forward, Mateus Silva, who boasts a reputation for scoring decisive away goals. Weather conditions in Johannesburg—cooler and less humid than Luanda—might favour the Chiefs, but Kabuscorp's tactical discipline could offset that advantage.
Logistics also play a big role. CAF has mandated that all preliminary matches meet strict stadium standards, and both home venues have passed inspection. Ticket allocations will be split, with each club receiving a share of the revenue, an important factor for clubs that rely heavily on match‑day income.
While the exact line‑ups remain unconfirmed, fans can expect both clubs to field their strongest possible XI, given the prestige attached to progressing in Africa's secondary continental competition. A win here not only brings financial rewards but also boosts a club’s reputation, potentially attracting better sponsorship deals and keeping talented players from seeking moves abroad.
In short, the upcoming preliminary round offers a glimpse into how African clubs balance ambition, resources and the rigours of travel. Whether Kwara United can silence Ashanti Kotoko's home support, or Kaizer Chiefs can out‑class Kabuscorp on their own turf, will set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
