The 2016 CAF Champions League qualifying rounds were played from 12 February to 20 April 2016.
[1] A total of 55 teams competed in the qualifying rounds to decide the eight places in the group stage of the 2016 CAF Champions League.
[2] The draw for the preliminary, first and second rounds was held on 11 December 2015 in Dakar, Senegal.
[3][4] The entry round of the 55 teams entered into the draw was determined by their performances in the CAF competitions for the previous five seasons (CAF 5-year ranking points shown in parentheses).
In the qualifying rounds, each tie was played on a home-and-away two-legged basis.
If the aggregate score was tied after the second leg, the away goals rule would be applied, and if still tied, extra time would not be played, and the penalty shoot-out would be used to determine the winner (Regulations III.
Ferroviário Maputo won on walkover after Centre Chiefs withdrew.
Warri Wolves won on walkover after Sporting Praia Cruz failed to arrive for the first leg.
[6] Étoile du Congo won 3–0 on aggregate.
Kaizer Chiefs won on walkover after Volcan Club failed to arrive for the second leg.
AS Vita Club won on away goals.The CAF announced on 24 May 2016 that Mamelodi Sundowns won on walkover after AS Vita Club were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in their preliminary round tie against Mafunzo.
[9] Mamelodi Sundowns played in the Confederation Cup play-off round before they were reinstated to the Champions League.