Sixteen Teams Vie for Glory: CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw Looms
The stage is set for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, with the group stage draw scheduled for Monday, November 3rd, in Johannesburg. Sixteen teams will discover their paths to potential continental glory, beginning at 14h00 local time (12h00 GMT). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the clubs vying for the coveted title, examining their histories, recent performances, and key storylines.
A Continent’s Elite: The Contenders
The CAF Champions League consistently showcases the best of African football, and this year’s group stage is no exception. From established powerhouses to emerging contenders, the competition promises a thrilling spectacle.
Egyptian Dominance: Al Ahly and Pyramids Lead the Charge
Al Ahly (Egypt) remains the undisputed king of African football. With a record 12 titles to their name, including four of the last six editions, the Cairo giants are perennial favorites. Their remarkable consistency is underscored by this being their 23rd qualification for the group phase. A 2-0 aggregate victory over Aigle Noir of Burundi secured their place, as new Danish coach Jess Thorup begins his tenure.
Challenging the traditional order, Pyramids (Egypt) broke through last season to claim their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title. Their success extended to the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup, and they are poised to represent the continent at next month’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
North African Strength: Esperance and Beyond
ESPERANCE (Tunisia) is a consistent force in the competition, having won the title four times (1994, 2011, 2018, and 2019). Sharing the record for group stage appearances with Al Ahly (23 times), ‘Sang et Or’ are a familiar sight in the latter stages of the tournament. They recently represented Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
MC ALGER (Algeria) is looking to build on last season’s quarter-final appearance, marking a second successive year in the group stage. Next year will be the 50th anniversary of their sole African Champions Cup triumph.
JS KABYLIE (ALGERIA), two-time past winners (1981, 1990), are hoping to recapture their former glory after a long period of struggle. This marks their sixth qualification for the group stage.
RS BERKANE (MOROCCO) enters the Champions League as reigning champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, having secured their third title in the competition. This season represents their debut in the Champions League after winning their first Moroccan league title.
FAR RABAT (MOROCCO), former continental champions (1985), reached the quarter-finals last season in only their second group stage appearance since 2007.
Southern and Central African Challengers
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (South Africa) are a model of consistency, reaching the group phase for the 11th consecutive time. Despite only winning the title once (2016), they consistently advance to the knockout stages, having finished as runners-up to Pyramids last season.
PETRO DE LUANDA (Angola) returns to the group phase after a surprising absence last season, marking their sixth appearance in the last seven years. The Angolan club reached the semi-finals in 2021-22, their best result to date.
ST ELOI WOLF (DR CONGO) has overcome the shadow of neighbors TP Mazembe to reach the group stage for the first time, eliminating Orlando Pirates of South Africa in a stunning upset.
MALIEN STADIUM (MALI) makes history as the first Bamako club to reach the business end of the Champions League, overcoming Mauritania’s Nouadhibou to secure their place.
East African Representation: Simba and Young Africans
SIMBA (Tanzania) will compete in the group phase for the sixth time, alongside their domestic rivals, Young Africans. They were runners-up in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
YOUNG AFRICANS (TANZANIA) has reached the group phase for the third time in a row, and fourth overall, demonstrating their growing strength in East African football.
New Faces and Historic Moments
POWER DYNAMOS (ZAMBIA) makes a historic return to the continental stage, becoming the first Zambian club to reach the group phase since 2020. The Kitwe-based team, steeped in Zambian football history, won the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991.
AL HILAL (SUDAN), Sudan’s most successful side, has persevered despite challenges in their strife-torn country to qualify for the group phase for the 14th time overall and seventh edition in a row. They will play their league matches in Rwanda this season to maintain competitive fitness.
RIVERS UNITED (NIGERIA) is the first Nigerian club to reach the group phase since Lobi Stars in 2019, overcoming Black Bulls of Mozambique to secure their spot.
The draw on November 3rd will not only determine the groups but also set the stage for a captivating battle for African football supremacy. The competition promises drama, upsets, and a showcase of the continent’s burgeoning talent.
