The Zimbabwean side qualified for the group stage with a 2-1 aggregate win, although ASEC were widely expected to go through.

A day earlier, defending champions Ahli were ousted from the same round after Kano Pillars held them to a 2-2 draw at Military Academy Stadium, and the latter reached the next round on the away goal rule.

Cameroonian powerhouse Coton Sport were also disqualified after slumping to a 1-1 draw with Heartland, who recorded a 3-2 aggregate win.

All the eliminated teams will have to settle for places in the CAF Confederation Cup.