Libya's Swehly delivered one of the weekend's most compelling results, defeating four-time CAF Champions League winners Esperance 1-0 at Misurata Stadium in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg. Ayoub Ayed's 64th-minute strike proved to be the difference in an all-North African clash that lived up to its billing.

Holders held in Luanda

Title holders Mamelodi Sundowns began their campaign with a goalless draw away to Angola's Wiliete SC at Estadio Nacional de Tundavala in Lubango. Having received a bye in the first preliminary round, Sundowns will now host the reverse fixture in Pretoria next weekend with a place in the group stage on the line.

Swehly stun giants Esperance

Swehly's victory over Esperance was the standout result of the round. Both sides created chances across a competitive 90 minutes, but it was Ayed's strike on 64 minutes that handed the Libyans a priceless lead to carry to Tunis. Esperance, who reached the semi-finals last season, must now overturn the deficit if they are to continue their pursuit of a fifth continental title.

Horoya edge Al Merrikh at home

Guinea's Horoya overcame Sudanese side Al Merrikh at Stade de 28 Septembre in Conakry. Yakhouba Gnagna Barry struck on the stroke of half-time to give the Guinean champions a 1-0 lead they protected through to the final whistle. Horoya now travel to Sudan for the second leg with that advantage intact.

Colombe strike hard in Dakar

Cameroon's Colombe Sportive returned from Senegal with a commanding 2-0 victory over Tengueth FC at Stade Leopold Senghor in Dakar. Jean Hughes Eyango Priso opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Gambia's Adam Musah doubled the lead just one minute after half-time. Colombe are strong favourites to advance when they host the return leg next weekend.

ASEC rescue draw deep in injury time

Ivoirian side ASEC Mimosas snatched a 1-1 draw at the death to deny Moroccan champions MAS Fes a winning start at Stade d'Honneur in Meknes. Noureddine Oussama had given MAS Fes the lead in the 31st minute, and the hosts appeared to be heading for a home victory until Bamba Souhalio equalised three minutes into second-half stoppage time. The tie remains wide open ahead of next weekend's second leg in Abidjan.