The race for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage has burst into life, with 14 clubs already confirming their spots among Africa’s elite. Two more places will be decided next week when Pyramids FC and RS Berkane play their postponed second-leg fixtures.
After a weekend of dramatic encounters, continental heavyweights reaffirmed their dominance, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season of African club football.
African Giants March On
Record 12-time champions Al Ahly SC continued their relentless pursuit of a 13th crown, dispatching Aigle Noir 2–0 on aggregate. The Egyptian giants once again displayed their trademark composure and consistency that have made them the benchmark of African football.
In Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns dazzled with their trademark attacking flair, crushing Nigeria’s Remo Stars 7–1 on aggregate to secure group-stage qualification for an 11th consecutive season. The Brazilians’ blend of speed, structure, and tactical precision makes them one of the most feared sides on the continent.
Four-time winners Espérance de Tunis also cruised through with a 4–0 aggregate victory over Rahimo FC. With key off-season signings bolstering their squad, the Tunisian giants look poised for another deep run.
North African Powerhouses Shine
From Morocco, AS FAR Rabat earned back-to-back group stage appearances with a commanding 4–1 aggregate win over Horoya AC, reaffirming their resurgence and discipline under the “army team” ethos.
Algeria will boast two representatives this season. JS Kabylie dismantled US Monastir 5–1 on aggregate, while MC Alger edged Colombe of Cameroon on away goals after a 1–1 draw, marking their long-awaited return to the competition since their historic 1976 triumph.
Southern and Eastern Africa Well Represented
Angola’s Petro de Luanda advanced with a 4–0 aggregate win over Stade d’Abidjan, continuing their role as one of Southern Africa’s consistent continental performers.
In East Africa, Simba SC secured Tanzania’s spot with a 3–0 aggregate victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs, while Stade Malien revived Mali’s continental hopes with a solid 3–1 triumph against FC Nouadhibou.
Power Dynamos brought joy to Zambia after holding Vipers SC 1–1 at home to seal a 3–2 aggregate win, marking their long-awaited return to the group stage.
West and Central Africa Add Drama
Sudanese giants Al-Hilal Omdurman eased past Kenya Police 4–1 on aggregate, underlining their steady continental progress.
Meanwhile, St. Éloi Lupopo of DR Congo produced one of the weekend’s most remarkable turnarounds — surviving a 3–0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in Soweto before leveling the tie and prevailing 5–4 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Two Spots Still Up for Grabs
Defending champions Pyramids FC earned a 1–1 away draw against Ethiopian Insurance and will look to complete the job at home on November 1.
Similarly, RS Berkane — who drew 1–1 away to Al Ahly Tripoli — will seek to seal qualification in their home leg next weekend.
The Road to Glory
The CAF Interclub Group Stage Draw is scheduled for Monday, November 3, live from SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg at 14:00 South African time (12:00 GMT). The draw will be streamed live across CAF’s official digital platforms.
The 16 qualified teams will be divided into four groups of four, with matches kicking off in November. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals as the race for Africa’s most prestigious club football prize intensifies.
Qualified Teams for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League Group Stage
- Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
- ES Tunis (Tunisia)
- AS FAR Rabat (Morocco)
- MC Alger (Algeria)
- JS Kabylie (Algeria)
- Petro de Luanda (Angola)
- Simba SC (Tanzania)
- Stade Malien (Mali)
- Al-Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)
- Power Dynamos (Zambia)
- St. Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)
- Young Africans (Tanzania)
- Rivers United (Nigeria)
- Pyramids FC / Ethiopian Insurance (TBD)
- RS Berkane / Al Ahly Tripoli (TBD)
