Four first-leg fixtures in the 2nd Preliminary Round of the 2026-2027 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup produced drama on Sunday, with AS Maniema Union and Primeiro de Agosto both claiming away victories, Raja Club Athletic held to a 2-2 draw in Nigeria, and FC Diarra surviving a second-half scare to beat ASKO 3-2 in Bamako.

Maniema Union demolish Kabuscorp in Luanda

AS Maniema Union were ruthless in Angola, dismantling hosts Kabuscorp 4-1 at the 11 November Stadium in Luanda to place one foot firmly in the group stage.

Kane Suleymane opened the scoring after 32 minutes, and Benny Namboka doubled the advantage just two minutes before half-time. Israel Ekofo then delivered a man-of-the-match display in the second period, netting in the 63rd minute and adding a second seven minutes later to make it 4-0. Kabuscorp grabbed a late consolation with six minutes to play, but the damage was already done. Maniema Union carry a three-goal cushion into next weekend's home second leg.

Primeiro de Agosto hold firm at Stade de Martyrs

Angola's Primeiro de Agosto claimed a valuable 2-1 victory over DR Congo's DC Virunga at the Stade de Martyrs in Kinshasa. Obed Mukokiani broke the deadlock four minutes after the interval, and Tombe extended the lead to 2-0 on the hour. Junior pulled one back for DC Virunga in the 79th minute, but the Angolan side held on to secure the win and move within reach of the group stage.

El Kanemi snatch late draw to frustrate Raja

Morocco's Raja Club Athletic came close to leaving Nigeria with all three points, only for El Kanemi Warriors to equalise deep in the second half and earn a 2-2 draw at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

El Kanemi Warriors took the lead after just six minutes before Mohammed Sharara restored parity for the two-time CAF Confederation Cup winners in the 24th minute. Mathias Kehinde then put Raja ahead at the hour mark, and the Moroccans looked set to seal a fine away result — until El Kanemi Warriors struck again with eight minutes remaining to level the tie.

Raja return to Casablanca for next week's second leg with the fixture delicately poised, while El Kanemi Warriors will fancy their chances of causing a significant upset.

FC Diarra hold on after ASKO storm back in Bamako

Mali's FC Diarra needed nerves of steel to protect a commanding lead against Togo's ASKO, eventually winning 3-2 in a five-goal contest at the Mamadou Konate Stadium in Bamako.

Madou Samake opened the scoring in the 15th minute, Mery Traore doubled the lead at the half-hour mark, and Seydou Sidibe made it 3-0 just before the interval. ASKO pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, and reduced the deficit to a single goal in the 58th minute to set up a tense finale. The Togolese side were also reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute — a blow that halted their comeback and ultimately preserved FC Diarra's slim advantage heading into the return leg in Togo.