Zamalek of Egypt, the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions, and Renaissance Berkane and Stade Malien, made their entries to the Group for the 2025 competition on Friday.

Zamalek defeated African debutants Police of Kenya 2-1 at home and 3-1 overall thanks to a goal from Nasser Maher.

Zamalek, the 12-time CAF title winners, were anticipated to win handily in Cairo after winning 1-0 in Nairobi the previous weekend.

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However, it took the White Knights 56 minutes to break the scoreless draw in the rematch thanks to a goal from seasoned striker Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed.

Four minutes later, Maher intercepted a pass and scored, ruining Police’s plans to escape their territory.

Despite their lacklustre effort, Jesse Were’s goal on 66 minutes shocked Zamalek and cut the second-leg deficit in half.

In the last six iterations of the African version of the Uefa Europa League, Berkane has finished twice victorious and twice runner-up.

They defeated Dadje of Benin 5-0 to win the competition 7-0 overall.

2009 Confederation Cup winners Stade Malien of Mali joined them in the mini-league stage as they defeated Paynesville of Liberia 3-1 at home and advanced 3-2 overall.

After three second round, second leg qualifiers on Saturday and ten on Sunday, another thirteen clubs will join them.

Mateus Santos of Brazil and Issoufou Dayo, an international from Burkina Faso, scored goals for Berkane, who lost the 2024 final to Zamalek due to away goals.

After just 24 minutes in Bamako, Moctar Cisse, Soumaila Magassouba, and Souleymane Drame gave Malien a three goal lead.

Malien quickly overcame a 1-0 loss on the road against Paynesville.

Just before the hour mark, Mark Paye equalised with his fourth goal of the CAF campaign, setting up a thrilling conclusion, but the Monrovia team was unable to find the second goal they needed to qualify.