_By Sports Reporter_The CAF Confederation Cup got underway in emphatic fashion over the weekend as away teams stole the show in the 1st Preliminary Round first leg fixtures.
Togolese champions ASKO de Kara produced the result of the round with a ruthless 5-0 demolition of Niger’s AS ZAM in Niamey. The five-goal margin leaves ASKO firmly in control ahead of the return leg.
Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli also flexed their muscles away from home, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over KMKM SC in Comoros. The North African giants will take a healthy advantage into the second leg.
In West Africa, Nigeria’s Shooting Stars SC gave the NPFL reason to cheer after edging Tunisian powerhouse CS Sfaxien 1-0 in Ibadan. The Oluyole Warriors will now travel to Tunisia with a slender but vital lead to defend.
Elsewhere, Zambia’s Red Arrows FC recorded a professional 2-0 home win over Madagascar’s FC Rouge, while Angolan duo CD 1º de Agosto and Kabuscorp both returned home with 2-0 away victories against Green Mamba and UNAM respectively.
Mozambique’s A. Black Bulls also secured a narrow 1-0 win on the road against Atomic Ngome.
The only draw with goals came in Mauritania where AS Douanes and Guinea’s Hafia FC played to an entertaining 2-2 stalemate, leaving the tie finely balanced.With the second legs scheduled for next weekend, several home sides now face the daunting task of overturning deficits on the road if they are to keep their continental dreams alive.
