Tanzania's Azam FC and Mali's AS Real Bamako have both punched their tickets to the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 Group Stage, eliminating Egypt's ZED FC and Tunisia's ES Zarzis respectively in the Second Preliminary Round on Saturday.

Azam edged past ZED FC with a 1-0 home win to advance 2-1 on aggregate, while Real Bamako held on for a 2-2 draw in Bamako to progress 5-3 on aggregate despite a spirited second-half fightback from ES Zarzis.

Nado the difference-maker in Dar es Salaam

The two sides had played out a 1-1 draw in Egypt during the first leg, leaving the return fixture wide open. After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Iddy Nado stepped up in the 66th minute to score the decisive goal and hand Azam the edge they required.

The Tanzanian club then defended their slim lead with discipline for the remainder of the match, sealing a hard-earned victory in front of their home faithful and ending ZED FC's continental journey.

Real Bamako survive late Zarzis scare

Real Bamako travelled back to Bamako holding a healthy 3-1 advantage from the opening leg in Tunisia. Bourama added to that cushion in the 45th minute, extending the aggregate lead to four goals and seemingly settling the tie.

ES Zarzis refused to go quietly, however, striking twice in the 75th and 79th minutes to lead 2-1 on the night and give themselves an unlikely lifeline. Real Bamako responded with composure, grabbing a stoppage-time equaliser in the 90+2' to secure a 2-2 draw and close the door on any Tunisian revival.

Both clubs now enter the 16-team Group Stage, where they will compete for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title among Africa's elite continental contenders.