The 2012 CAF Confederation Cup qualifying rounds decided the eight teams which played in the group stage. The schedule for the tournament was released in October 2011, and the draw for the first three rounds was held in Cairo on 9 December 2011. Qualification ties were decided over two legs, with aggregate goals used to determine the winner. If the sides were level on aggregate after the second leg, the away goals rule was applied, and if still level, the tie proceeded directly to a penalty shootout (no extra time was played).