In the second preliminary round first-leg fixture, Jeancy Mboma scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to hand the Tanzanian visitors a crucial advantage ahead of the return fixture.
The breakthrough came seven minutes after half-time, with Mboma finding the net to put Singida Black Stars ahead in the East African encounter.
Despite playing at home, Tusker wasted a host of chances with Nigeria striker Victor Mbaoma the main culprit.
The Brewers are Kenya’s only hope in the CAF competitions after FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia were tossed out of the CAF Champions League after losing 7-1 on aggregate against Pyramids FC in the first preliminary round.
Tusker qualified for the second preliminary round after defeating Sudan’s Al Ahli Wad Madani with a 3-2 aggregate score. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Tusker won the return leg 1-0 to advance.
In another fixture, South Africa’s Durban City secured a 3-1 home victory over Mauritius’ AS Port Louis in the first leg of their tie on Sunday.
Goals from Haashim Domingo, Gaston Sirino and Tashreeq Morris gave the South African side a two-goal advantage ahead of next weekend's return fixture.
Panthers FC pull out, Yanga win
Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea’s Panthers FC have withdrawn from the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, citing severe financial difficulties that have made it impossible for the club to continue in the continental competition.
The club were scheduled to face Algerian giants USM Alger, but the financial burden of playing their home matches outside Equatorial Guinea has forced them to abandon their campaign despite efforts to find a cost-effective solution.
Panthers FC’s difficulties stem from the absence of a CAF-approved stadium in their home country, compelling the club to arrange matches abroad and shoulder substantial expenses covering travel, accommodation, stadium rental and match organisation.
During the first preliminary round against Benin’s ASPAC FC, Panthers hosted the first leg in Cameroon, paying for flights and accommodation for their players, stadium rental and match officials’ expenses. They subsequently travelled to Lome, Togo, for the return leg, covering the squad’s flights, accommodation and meals during a week-long stay.
With their financial resources depleted, the club sought CAF approval for Mongomo Stadium to host the first leg against USM Alger. However, the requested inspection could not be carried out, leaving Panthers searching for another venue.
In the Champions League, Young Africans delivered a commanding performance to secure a convincing 4-0 victory over CFFA.
The Tanzanian giants eventually overwhelmed their opponents after a competitive opening period, scoring four goals to take firm control of the tie.
The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Cheik Toure found the back of the net to give Young Africans a crucial lead heading into halftime.
Young Africans returned from the break with renewed intensity and quickly put the contest beyond CFFA’s reach. Albert Kangwane doubled the advantage in the 48th minute before Yahya Abbas struck seven minutes later to make it 3-0.
The visitors continued their attacking onslaught, with Maxi Nzenge adding a fourth goal in the 59th minute to complete an impressive spell of dominance.
