The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage draw, confirming the 16 clubs that will compete for Africa’s most prestigious club prize.
The draw, held on Monday in Johannesburg, produced some thrilling matchups and none more so than Group A, where Nigeria’s sole representative Rivers United have been placed in what many are already calling the Group of Death.
This season marks Rivers United’s first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage, a milestone achievement for the Port Harcourt-based club.
Group A: Pyramids FC, RS Berkane, Rivers United, Power Dynamos
Rivers United face a tough debut test, drawn alongside defending Champions League winners Pyramids FC of Egypt, CAF Confederation Cup holders RS Berkane of Morocco, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos.
It’s a formidable mix of North and Southern African heavyweights, each with continental experience and pedigree.
Head coach Finidi George, who guided Rivers to their maiden qualification, will be counting on his side’s defensive discipline and counterattacking pace to make an impression in Africa’s elite competition.
Pyramids FC, Africa’s newest powerhouse, boast a squad brimming with international stars, while Berkane fresh off their Confederation Cup triumph will look to prove they can match the continent’s best.
Power Dynamos, meanwhile, return to the continental stage determined to restore Zambian pride.
Group B: Al Ahly, Yanga SC, AS FAR, JS Kabylie
Record 11-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt headline Group B, facing Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga SC), Morocco’s AS FAR, and Algeria’s JS Kabylie.
The group promises classic North–East African clashes, with Ahly’s dominance set to be tested by Yanga’s rising momentum and AS FAR’s continental pedigree.
Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Hilal, MC Alger, St Eloi Lupopo
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns lead Group C alongside Sudan’s Al Hilal, Algeria’s MC Alger, and DR Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo.
The clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and MC Alger promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage. It reunites South African coach Rhulani Mokwena with his former side, where he built his reputation before a brief stint with Wydad Casablanca. Now leading the Algerian giants, Mokwena faces familiar foes in a high-stakes tactical battle.
Sundowns, runners-up in last season’s competition, remain one of Africa’s most consistent clubs and are no strangers to big continental nights.
They arrive in confident form after dismantling Nigerian champions Remo Stars in qualifying. Coach Miguel Cardoso, under mounting pressure, will need to prove his tactical mettle against one of the most respected managers in Sundowns’ history as both sides chase early control of Group C.
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The group brings together some of Africa’s most attacking teams, with Sundowns expected to dominate possession and dictate play, while Al Hilal and MC Alger will look to spring surprises.
Group D: ES Tunis, Simba SC, Petro Luanda, Stade Malien
Four-time champions ES Tunis headline Group D, joined by Tanzania’s Simba SC, Angola’s Petro Luanda, and Mali’s Stade Malien.
Simba SC reached the CAF Confederation cup finals last season when the lost to RS Berkane, they will hope to take a step further despite Head Coach Fadlu davids moving to Raja Casablanca.
With all four teams boasting strong continental experience, this group promises tightly fought encounters from start to finish.
Road to the Knockouts
CAF confirmed that group stage matches will run from 21 November 2025 to February 2026, followed by quarter-finals and semi-finals in April, and the two-legged final on 16 May and 23 of May 2026.
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The 2026 CAF Super Cup will then see the Champions League winners face the CAF Confederation Cup champions.
