Five-time winners TP Mazembe continued their bid towards a first African Champions League crown since 2015 after beating Malagasy side Fosa Juniors 3-1 to reach the group stage on Sunday.

After a goalless away draw, Joel Kimwaki fired Mazembe in front after 10 minutes but Herisoa Andriamamonjy gave the DR Congo giants a scare after bringing the visitors level five minutes before halftime.

However, Chico Ushindi restored Mazembe's advantage in the 56^th minute and Christian Koffi converted a penalty four minutes later to make sure of the win.

Mazembe's rivals Vita Club also went through with a 1-0 win over Togo's ASC Kara, thanks to a penalty from Merveille Kikasa on the stroke of halftime.

USM Alger strolled into the group stage with a 2-0 victory away to Kenya's Gor Mahia, with Aymen Mahious scoring a first-half double.

The Algerians advanced with a comfortable 4-1 aggregate win.

Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel overturned a two-goal first-leg defeat to advance to the Champions League groupstage after beating Asante Kotoko of Ghana 3-0. 

Mortadha Ben Ouanes opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and Karim Aribi netted twice on 67 and 85 minutes to secure a hard-fought victory.

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