Ghana Premier League champions FC Samartex 1996 are set to clash with Cameroon’s Victoria United in the preliminary round of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, following the draw ceremony at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
Samartex will host the second leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, chosen as their home venue for the competition. The first leg is scheduled for the weekend of August 16-18, with the return leg to follow shortly after in Accra.
The winner of this preliminary tie will advance to the second round, where they will face either ASGNN of Niger or Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic in September. This stage is a crucial step toward securing a place in the group stage, which also involves a playoff with CAF Confederation Cup losers.
This campaign marks Samartex’s maiden appearance in Africa’s premier club competition, following their historic Ghana Premier League title win last season. The Timber Giants secured their first top-flight championship just a season after joining the league, turning their Nsenkyire Sports Arena into a fortress by winning all but one home game.
Victoria United are also debutants in the CAF Champions League, having won their first Elite One title last season in Cameroon after returning to the top-flight league.
Samartex are eager to make a strong impression in their first continental outing. The Ghanaian champions aim to secure a positive result in the first leg before traveling to Cameroon, with hopes of progressing further in the tournament. The tie represents a significant milestone for the club as they look to establish themselves on the African football stage.
