Panthers overturned a first-leg deficit to beat ASPAK 4-2 in the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup on 16 September 2026. The hosts had won 3-1 in the same fixture just six days earlier, so the visitors came into this match knowing what was at stake. Panthers took the lead early and never looked back after that. The tie is now level on aggregate and the second leg will decide who advances.
By then the visitors had already shown their intent. A goal in the 28th minute opened the scoring, followed quickly by another in the 32nd. Panthers were everywhere in those opening exchanges, and here's the thing — ASPAK seemed to be reacting rather than dictating. The hosts' defence looked unorganised, losing their shape with each attack.
The first half finished with drama that will linger. Two more goals came in stoppage time, at 45+2 and 45+4, taking Panther's tally to four. To be fair, ASPAK pushed forward desperately in those final moments, but the visitors caught them on the counter. That was a cruel way to end a half for the home side, who had already trailed at the break.
ASPAK pulled one back in the 66th minute, briefly stirring belief among their supporters. But Panthers answered with another in the 75th to put the game to bed early. The hosts had nothing to do all evening after that. Their manager will need to find answers quickly, because one mistake ends it in knockout football.
The result restores parity in the tie after last week's heavy defeat. Panthers showed character to bounce back, while ASPAK's confidence may have taken a blow. The away side now travels with momentum, and by then they'll be counting on that. This was a match decided in moments, not in possession or shots on target.