The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage draw has delivered fireworks before a single ball is kicked — headlined by a blockbuster rematch between reigning champions Pyramids FC and Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane.
Unveiled live in Johannesburg on Monday, the draw promises one of the most fiercely contested editions in years — featuring seven former African champions, fierce rivalries, and plenty of unfinished business.
⚡ Group A: The Heavyweight Rematch
The spotlight immediately falls on Group A, where Pyramids FC and RS Berkane will reignite their rivalry. Just weeks ago, the two sides clashed in the CAF Super Cup, with the Egyptians edging a tight 1–0 win.
Now, they meet again — this time over six group-stage battles — joined by Nigeria’s Rivers United and Zambia’s Power Dynamos. It’s a group stacked with power, pace, and pressure. Expect fireworks.
🏆 Group B: Ahly’s Empire Tested
Record 12-time champions Al Ahly headline Group B, but their path won’t be smooth. They’re grouped with Tanzania’s Young Africans, Moroccan champions AS FAR, and Algeria’s JS Kabylie — a mix of pedigree and promise.
It’s a pool that drips with history: North vs East Africa, veterans vs rising challengers. Ahly’s aura will be tested by sides desperate to make a statement.
⚽ Group C: Sundowns Face Familiar Fire
Mamelodi Sundowns have drawn a rugged Group C alongside Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), and St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo).
The South African champions — known for their slick, possession-heavy football — face a physically demanding group that will test their adaptability in hostile environments from Omdurman to Algiers.
🔥 Group D: North–East Clash Zone
Four-time winners Espérance de Tunis headline Group D, but they’ll be pushed hard by Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), and Stade Malien (Mali).
It’s a group with serious firepower, featuring clubs used to long continental runs and raucous atmospheres at home. Every matchday here promises chaos and class in equal measure.
🗓️ The Road Ahead
The group stage kicks off 21–23 November 2025, with two matchdays before the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Action resumes 23–25 January 2026, followed by the knockout rounds starting 13 March 2026.
The winners will walk away with USD 4 million, while runners-up collect USD 2 million — the richest prize in African club football.
⚽ CAF Champions League 2025/26 Groups
Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Rivers United (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia)
Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria)
Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)
Group D: Espérance Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali)