The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the group stage draw for the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, confirming 16 clubs from across the continent that will battle for one of African football’s most coveted prizes.
The draw, held on Monday in Johannesburg, produced several mouthwatering matchups and intriguing storylines as clubs from North, West, East, Central, and Southern Africa prepare to begin their campaigns later this month.
Among the highlights is an all-Nigerian battle brewing in Group C, where Morice Chukwu of Singida Black Stars and Kazie Enyinnaya of Stellenbosch FC both former Rivers United teammates will face off on opposite sides.
Kazie Enyinnaya and Morice Chukwu were part of the history making Rivers United squad that won the clubs first ever NPFL title. Photo Credit: NPFL/X
Once partners in Port Harcourt’s blue, the pair are now set to go head-to-head as rivals on the continental stage.
Group A: USMA, Djoliba, OC Safi, San Pedro
Algeria’s USM Alger, the 2023 winners of the competition, headline Group A and will be favourites to advance. They are joined by Djoliba AC of Mali, Morocco’s OC Safi, and Ivorian side San Pedro, who return to continental competition hoping to make an impact after a strong domestic season.
This group promises a fascinating West and North African clash of styles, with USMA’s experience expected to be tested by Djoliba’s attacking flair and OC Safi’s discipline.
Group B: Wydad, AS Maniema, Azam, Nairobi United
In Group B, former CAF Champions League winners Wydad AC of Morocco headline a balanced group that includes AS Maniema from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Newcomers Tanzania’s Azam FC, and Kenyan Nairobi United, who are making their first-ever appearance at this stage of continental competition.
Wydad, who were relegated to the Confederation Cup after falling short in the Moroccan Botola, will be keen to reassert their dominance on the continental scene.
Group C: CR Belouizdad, Stellenbosch, AS Otohô, Singida Black Stars
CR Belouizdad of Algeria and Stellenbosch FC from South Africa lead Group C, which also includes Congo’s AS Otohô and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.
This group brings together sides known for their tactical organisation and strong home records, making qualification potentially tight.
Among the standout storylines in this group is the all-Nigerian duel between Kazie Enyinnaya of Stellenbosch and Morice Chukwu of Singida Black Stars both former Rivers United teammates.
Ex Akwa United midfield workhorse Morice Chukwu. Photo Credit: X
Enyinnaya, a versatile right-back with a commanding presence, has already featured in two Confederation Cup matches for Stellenbosch this season.
The Nigerian defender boasts vast experience on the continent, having played 37 CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. He has also featured eight times in the CAF Champions League.
His compatriot, Morice Chukwu, remains one of Singida’s most consistent performers. The box-to-box midfielder played in all four qualifying matches as the Tanzanian side progressed to the group stage.
Chukwu brings continental pedigree, having made 16 appearances in the CAF Confederation Cup, including during Rivers United’s 2023 campaign.
Nigerian International Kazie Enyinnaya will hope to make yet another statement on the continent with Stellenbosch. Photo Credit: PSL/X
The pair, who once combined in Rivers United’s midfield and defence, will now line up on opposite sides as they look to help their respective clubs navigate a tricky group that also features Belouizdad and Otohô.
Group D: Zamalek, Al Masry, Kaizer Chiefs, ZESCO United
Group D stands out as the “Group of Death”, featuring Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, their domestic rivals Al Masry, South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, and Zambia’s ZESCO United.
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Zamalek, winners of the 2024 edition, will be eyeing another continental crown, but they face stiff competition from fellow North Africans Al Masry and two well-established Southern African sides.
Image Credit: CAF
Kaizer Chiefs, semi-finalists in the 2021 CAF Champions League, bring star quality, while ZESCO’s experience in African competitions could make them dark horses for qualification.
Road to the Title
CAF confirmed that the group-stage matches will begin between 21 and 22 November 2025, running through February 2026. The quarter-finals and semi-finals will follow in April, with the two-legged final scheduled for 16 and 23 May 2026.
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As with tradition, the winners of the Confederation Cup will face the CAF Champions League champions in the 2026 CAF Super Cup, a showdown that pits the continent’s two top clubs against each other
