CAF has released the official group stage draw for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, confirming the sixteen clubs who will battle for the continent’s elite club crown.
The draw was conducted in Johannesburg on Monday and it delivered some very heavyweight pairings. The biggest talking point is Group A, where Rivers United find themselves in a brutal first ever group stage appearance. Many are already calling it the ultimate Group of Death.
Group A: Pyramids FC, RS Berkane, Rivers United, Power Dynamos
Rivers United are set for a difficult introduction as they will compete with Egyptian giants and defending Champions League winners Pyramids FC, last season’s Confederation Cup champions RS Berkane from Morocco, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos.
Finidi George’s men enter this stage for the first time in the club’s history. Their defensive compactness and quick transition play will be crucial if they must stand toe to toe with Africa’s best. Pyramids arrive with a squad filled with top international performers, Berkane are looking to prove they can dominate on both CAF fronts, while Power Dynamos hope to restore Zambia’s continental pride.
Group B: Al Ahly, Yanga SC, AS FAR, JS Kabylie
Record holders Al Ahly headline the group and will face Young Africans of Tanzania, Moroccan side AS FAR, and Algeria’s historical giants JS Kabylie. North and East African clashes in this pool promise serious intensity as Ahly’s experience meets the growing confidence and ambition of the challengers.
Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Hilal, MC Alger, St Eloi Lupopo
South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns are grouped with Al Hilal of Sudan, MC Alger of Algeria and St Eloi Lupopo of DR Congo. One of the most anticipated fixtures will be Sundowns versus MC Alger. It reunites Rhulani Mokwena with his former club after his short spell at Wydad Casablanca. He now returns to face a familiar threat on the opposite bench. Sundowns reached the final last season and come into this campaign after convincingly sweeping aside Remo Stars in the qualifications. Coach Miguel Cardoso must respond tactically in this group if he wants early control.
Group D: ES Tunis, Simba SC, Petro Luanda, Stade Malien
ES Tunis, four time African champions, are top seeds here with Simba SC of Tanzania, Petro Luanda of Angola and Stade Malien of Mali completing the group. Simba SC got to the Confederation Cup final last season before losing to RS Berkane and although head coach Fadlu Davids has moved to Raja Casablanca, they believe they can push further this time.
Road to the Knockouts
CAF has confirmed that group matches will be played between November 21, 2025 and February 2026. Quarter finals and semi finals will take place in April, while the final will be played over two legs on May 30 and June 6, 2026.
The Champions League winner will then face the Confederation Cup winner in the 2026 CAF Super Cup.
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