The stage is set for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw, taking place on Monday, 3 November, at the SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Sixteen of Africa’s top clubs will discover their group-stage opponents when the draw begins at 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT). The line-up features a mix of continental heavyweights, rising forces, and history-making debutants all vying for a shot at African glory.
Here’s a look at the teams competing in this season’s group phase.
Rivers United (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s Rivers United make history by reaching the group stage for the first time in their four attempts. The Port Harcourt club edged Black Bulls of Mozambique 3–2 on aggregate to qualify, becoming the first Nigerian team in the group stage since Lobi Stars in 2018/2019 season.
The pride of Rivers finished runners up in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier football league season under former Super Eagles gaffer Finidi George.
Rivers United players celebrating at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Africa’s most successful club headline the draw once again. The 12-time CAF Champions League winners have qualified for a record 23rd group-stage appearance, having defeated Aigle Noir of Burundi 2–0 on aggregate. Under new coach Jess Thorup, the Cairo giants aim to extend their dominance after winning four of the last six editions.
Al Hilal (Sudan)
Al Hilal have defied adversity to make the group stage for the 14th time, continuing their run of seven consecutive qualifications. Forced to play in Rwanda due to domestic instability, the two-time finalists (1987, 1992) remain Sudan’s enduring flagbearers.
Nigerian striker Sunday Adetunji has scored 2 goals so far in the CAF Champions League. Photo Credit: Al Hilal/X
ES Tunis (Tunisia)
Four-time champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis share a record 23rd group-stage appearance with Al Ahly. The Tunisian giants, known as Sang et Or, have appeared in 10 consecutive editions and remain a cornerstone of North African football success.
FAR Rabat (Morocco)
The 1985 African champions are back for their second consecutive CAF Champions League campaign after reaching the quarter-finals last season. Coached by Portuguese tactician Alexandre dos Santos, AS FAR Rabat are looking to build on their strong domestic and continental form.
JS Kabylie (Algeria)
Two-time African champions JS Kabylie return for their sixth appearance in the group phase their first since 2022. Once dominant in the early 1990s, the Tizi-Ouzou-based club are eager to restore past glory on the continental stage.
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns enter the group stage for the 11th consecutive season. Since winning the title in 2016, the Pretoria-based side have consistently reached the knockout rounds and finished runners-up to Pyramids FC last term.
MC Alger (Algeria)
Mouloudia Club d’Alger, the 1976 African champions, are back for a second straight group-stage appearance after reaching last season’s quarter-finals. With a rich history and a loyal fan base, the capital club remain one of Algeria’s most storied teams.
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The Algerian giants now under South African gaffer Ruhlani Mokoena and are unbeaten this season after 11 matches across all competitions.
Petro de Luanda (Angola)
Petro de Luanda return after a one-year absence for their sixth group-stage appearance in seven years. The Angolan giants, now under Spanish coach Franc Artiga, reached the semi-finals in 2021/22 and continue to be one of Central Africa’s strongest representatives.
Power Dynamos (Zambia)
It’s a historic moment for Power Dynamos, who make their debut in the CAF Champions League group stage. The Kitwe-based club become Zambia’s first representatives at this level since 2020, rekindling memories of their 1991 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
Pyramids FC (Egypt)
Pyramids FC broke Egyptian football’s traditional order last season by winning their first-ever CAF Champions League title, ending the dominance of Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Pyramids won their first ever CAF Champions League after a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns
They’ve already added the CAF Super Cup to their growing list of honours and will represent Africa at next month’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
RS Berkane (Morocco)
RS Berkane are among this year’s biggest storylines. The Moroccan side, who have dominated the CAF Confederation Cup in recent seasons with three titles, are making their Champions League debut after winning their first-ever Moroccan league crown.
RS Berkane. Photo Credit: CAF/X
Simba SC (Tanzania)
Simba SC, runners-up in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup, are back in the Champions League group phase for the sixth time. They’ll join domestic rivals Young Africans, marking the second time both Tanzanian giants appear together in the same edition.
Stade Malien (Mali)
Persistence has paid off for Stade Malien, who have finally reached the group stage after 19 attempts. The Bamako-based club defeated Nouadhibou of Mauritania 3–1 on aggregate to seal a maiden appearance in the competition’s business end.
St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)
St Éloi Lupopo provided the shock of the preliminary rounds by knocking out Orlando Pirates on penalties after a thrilling 3–3 tie. This marks their first-ever group stage appearance and their first participation in the CAF Champions League since 2006.
Young Africans (Tanzania)
Yanga SC secured their third successive group-stage berth, overcoming Silver Strikers of Malawi.
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Under new coach Pedro Gonçalves, the 2023/24 quarter-finalists are determined to carry their resurgence into another competitive continental campaign.
What Happens Next?
The 16 teams will be drawn into four groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The group-stage matches will kick off between 21 and 22 November 2025, while the two-legged final is scheduled for 16 and 23 May 2026.
