The first legs of the CAF first preliminary round were played on WED 04-SAT 07 APR 2018, and almost without exception, the matchups are finely balanced.

• Kenya 01-00 Uganda: Lillian ADERA’s goal from distance was the difference between the east African sides.
• Tanzania 03-03 Zambia: Asha RASHID of the home side, and Zambia’s Babra BANDA, each scored twice on the way to an action packed draw. With three away goals, the Shepolopolo will fancy their chances in the return encounter on Sunday.
• Senegal 02-01 Algeria: The Teranga Lionesses leapt to a 2-0 lead after ten minutes on goals by Mariama DIEDHIOU and Mama DIOP, and held on for the first leg victory.
• Morocco 01-01 Côte d’Ivoire: Tiegnou COULIBALY scored from the spot early in the second half to give the Elephants the lead, but the home side earned a draw on Ghizlane CHEBBAK’s goal.
• Burkina Faso 02-01 Gambia: A brace from Salimata SIMPORE sent Burkina Faso into Tuesday’s return leg with the lead.