CAF Champions League: South African clubs face key qualifying ties for group stage places

1. What happened

   Headlines from SABC News and Hollywoodbets say Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns face an uphill battle to reach the CAF group stages. Pirates and Durban City are described as having taken a significant step toward continental progression. Only headlines were available, so specific scores and results are not covered here.

2. When it started

   The sources provided do not give exact match dates. Hollywoodbets refers to upcoming return legs that are crucial for Sundowns and Chiefs.

3. How it spread

   According to the sources, clubs qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage through these knockout-style ties, with return legs still to be played. The sources provided do not explain the full qualifying format.

4. Why it matters

   According to CAFOnline, several surprise contenders are competing for historic group stage places, and South African clubs are part of that qualifying race. Group stage qualification determines which teams progress in the continental competition.