CAF Confederation Cup Draw Serves Up Egyptian Derby as Chiefs Land in Group of Death
The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw has dropped—and it’s a blockbuster. Africa’s second-tier club competition just got spiced up with an Egyptian Derby, a Group of Death, and a few storylines that promise fireworks across the continent.
At the centre of attention? Zamalek vs Al Masry — two Egyptian powerhouses set to clash in Group D, alongside Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa and ZESCO United of Zambia. It’s a heavyweight section loaded with continental pedigree, rivalry, and tension.
For Kaizer Chiefs, it’s a brutal test. They’ll face the 2023/24 champions Zamalek, a fired-up Al Masry, and Zambia’s seasoned campaigners ZESCO United. With only two teams advancing, the margin for error will be razor-thin.
🇪🇬 Egyptian Derby Takes Centre Stage
Zamalek’s title defence will start in familiar territory. The Cairo giants, twice winners of the competition, now face domestic rivals Al Masry — a tie that guarantees intensity and emotion. Both clubs know each other too well, and CAF’s decision to put them in the same group adds a dramatic twist early in the tournament.
🌍 The Rest of Africa’s Contenders
Elsewhere, Algeria’s USM Alger headline Group A, drawn with Djoliba AC (Mali), Olympique Club de Safi (Morocco) and FC San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire).
Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, now competing in the Confederation Cup after years in the Champions League, lead Group B. They’ll face AS Maniema (DR Congo), Azam FC (Tanzania) and Nairobi United (Kenya), who make their continental debut.
Group C sees Algeria’s CR Belouizdad lock horns with Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), AS Otoho (Congo) and Singida Black Stars (Tanzania). For Stellies, who impressed last season by reaching the semifinals, it’s another chance to prove they belong among Africa’s elite.
🏆 The Road to Glory
The group stage kicks off 21–23 November 2025, with two rounds before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Action resumes 23–25 January 2026, with the final group games set for mid-February.
Reigning champions RS Berkane—now absent from this year’s competition—claimed their third title last season after defeating Simba SC, tying CS Sfaxien as the most successful club in Confederation Cup history.
With $2 million up for grabs for the champions and $1 million for runners-up, the stakes are high and the ambitions even higher.
⚽ TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Groups
Group A: USM Alger (Algeria), Djoliba AC (Mali), Olympique Safi (Morocco), FC San Pedro (CIV)
Group B: Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), AS Maniema (DR Congo), Azam FC (Tanzania), Nairobi United (Kenya)
Group C: CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), AS Otoho (Congo), Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)
Group D: Zamalek (Egypt), Al Masry (Egypt), Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), ZESCO United (Zambia)
