The Confederation of African football (CAF) conducted the draw for the 2024/25 CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup preliminary round today in Cairo.

Zambian Super League champions Red Arrows FC will open their 2024/25 CAF Champions League campaign with a clash against Malawi’s Nyasa Big Bullets in the first preliminary round 2024/25 between 16 and 25 August.

The winner of that tie will clash with TP Mazembe in the second round.

The Airmen are returning to this stage for the second time in three years, with their last appearance ending in a pre-group clash against Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club.

With just one defeat in 2024, pundits have tipped Chisi Mbewe’s side to do well on the continental front.

Meanwhile, Ndola-based side, Zesco United has been drawn against Dynamos FC of Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round with matches also scheduled between 16 and 25 August.

Winner over two legs will face either Foresters FC of Seychelles or Orapa United of Botswana in the second Preliminary Round in September.

Zesco is the last Zambian team to reach the semifinals of any CAF interclub competition. They achieved the feat after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2016 where they lost to eventual champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

The George Lwandamina coached side will look to replicate their past glory in the upcoming season after finishing second in the Zambian Super League.