Giants battle for Champions League group stage spots

The 16 places in this season's TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage will be determined this weeked when the final qualifying round second legs are played.

Last year's runners-up Wydad AC can seal their spot at home to Hafia FC after a 1-1 away draw in the first leg versus the Guinean champions last weekend.

The blockbuster clash sees Moroccan club AS FAR Rabat facing a huge task against Tunisian powerhouse Etoile Sportive du Sahel, who hold a narrow 1-0 first leg lead.

DR Congo's TP Mazembe, two-time African champions, aim for a return after missing the last two editions. They hold the upper hand following a vital 1-0 away victory against Malawi's Big Bullets.

Reigning Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis are also on the verge of qualification after edging Ivorian club AS Douanes 1-0 away in the opening encounter.

Algeria's CR Belouizdad can secure a fourth consecutive group stage spot after demolishing Sierra Leone's Bo Rangers 3-1 away in their first leg tie.

South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns should advance comfortably from a commanding 4-0 advantage versus Burundi's Bumamuru FC.

But Guinea's Horoya AC have a lifeline after Medeama SC's shock 3-1 first leg win in Ghana. Horoya will look to overturn the deficit at home.

Tanzania's Young Africans and Zambia's Green Eagles hold slender first leg leads over Sudanese and Angolan foes.

Meanwhile Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy and Rwanda's APR FC recorded impressive home wins in their opening legs against South African and Egyptian rivals.

Two goals by defender Kinito Balanga ensured Petro Atletico beat UD Songo 2-1 in their first leg tie. Petro Atletico are tipped to seal their qualification next week in Luanda. 

FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania shocked Malian side AS Real de Bamako by trouncing them 3-0 in Bamako. Nouadhibou, avoiding a defeat in the second leg, takes them to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage for the first time. 

Libyan club Al Ahly Benghazi were held at home to a scoreless draw by ASEC Mimosas. Both teams have all to play for in the second leg in Abidjan. 

The CAF Champions League elite stage awaits Africa's giants. But some still have work left to secure progress in this week's all-important second leg deciders.