Tanzania, Aug. 4 -- Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's football giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC have been handed a tougher route in their quest for continental glory after missing out on automatic qualification to the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

The two clubs, who will represent Tanzania in Africa's premier club competition, are among the teams that will begin their campaigns in the first preliminary round, according to the competition format released ahead of Thursday's draw.

The development means Yanga and Simba will have to overcome two preliminary rounds before reaching the group stage, requiring them to play at least four matches if they successfully negotiate both stages.

The early start presen...