The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage promises fireworks after a blockbuster draw in Johannesburg paired defending champions Pyramids FC with Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane in a thrilling Group A showdown. With seven former continental champions in the mix, this season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in years.
Highlights:
- Pyramids FC and RS Berkane headline Group A in a heated rematch.
- Al Ahly, Sundowns, Espérance, and Simba SC among Africa’s elite contenders.
- Group stage kicks off 21–23 November 2025.
- Competition to pause for AFCON 2025 and resume in January 2026.
- USD 4 million awaits the champions.
Main Story:
Blockbuster Draw for the Continent’s Best
The draw for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has set up several mouth-watering fixtures, headlined by a Group A rematch between Egypt’s Pyramids FC and Morocco’s RS Berkane. The two sides, who clashed in this year’s CAF Super Cup, will renew their rivalry after Pyramids’ narrow 1-0 win in that encounter.
Joining them in Group A are Nigeria’s Rivers United and Zambia’s Power Dynamos, rounding off one of the most balanced and unpredictable groups in the competition.
History Meets Firepower in Group B
Record 12-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt lead Group B alongside Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), and JS Kabylie (Algeria) a pool rich with continental history and rivalry.
Sundowns, Al Hilal, and MC Alger Battle for Supremacy
Group C features South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, perennial contenders and 2016 champions, facing Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), and St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo). The group is expected to deliver fierce contests given the clubs’ passionate fan bases and continental pedigree.
Espérance Lead a Tough Group D
Four-time winners Espérance de Tunis headline Group D, joined by Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), and Stade Malien (Mali). With each side boasting strong recent performances, Group D is set to be a battle of tactical brilliance and endurance.
Road to Glory
The group stage kicks off between 21–23 November 2025, with two rounds scheduled before the AFCON Morocco 2025 begins. Matches will resume after the tournament, between 23–25 January 2026, leading into the knockout stages on 13 March 2026.
CAF confirmed that the winners will take home USD 4 million, while runners-up will earn USD 2 million, underscoring the competition’s growing financial appeal.
With Africa’s football giants set for high-stakes battles, the 2025/26 CAF Champions League promises passion, pride, and pure continental drama a true showcase of the best the continent has to offer.
