Two Egyptian clubs and one Guinean side secured their places in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage on Saturday, as Zamalek, Pyramids, and Horoya all progressed — the latter needing penalties to advance past Al Merrikh of Sudan.

Zamalek seal it inside the first minute

Five-time continental champions Zamalek wasted no time at Cairo International Stadium, with Ahmed Sherif finding the net just 45 seconds after kick-off to hand the White Knights an early advantage against APR of Rwanda.

Despite creating several chances across both halves, the scoreline remained 1-0 on the day — enough for Zamalek to complete a 2-0 aggregate victory and book their return to the group stage for the first time since the 2022-23 edition. The club now sets its sights on ending a 25-year wait for continental glory, having last lifted the trophy in 2002.

Pyramids dismantle El Merriekh Bentiu

Also in Cairo, Pyramids put on a commanding display at the Air Defence Stadium, routing South Sudan's El Merriekh Bentiu 4-0 to advance 5-0 on aggregate.

Abdelrahman Magdi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before doubling his tally just five minutes later. Mostafa Fathi added a third deep into first-half stoppage time, and Algerian winger Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali rounded off the victory to complete the rout. Pyramids, who claimed the 2025 CAF Champions League title, now chase a second continental crown.

Horoya survive penalty drama to advance

Guinea's Horoya faced a tense evening in Kigali, where Al Merrikh's Mohamed Kabani scored the only goal at the Amahoro Stadium to level the tie at 1-1 on aggregate — Al Merrikh having lost the first leg in Conakry by the same scoreline.

With the sides inseparable after 90 minutes, the tie went to a penalty shootout. Horoya converted all four of their kicks with composure, while Al Merrikh squandered two of theirs, sending the Guinean club through to the group stage and ending the Sudanese side's continental ambitions at this hurdle.