Following weeks of high-intensity fixtures across the continent, 14 clubs have officially qualified for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League Group Stage, with the two remaining spots to be decided next week.
Leading the list are the continent’s most decorated teams, Al Ahly SC, Mamelodi Sundowns, ES Tunis, and AS FAR Rabat, who each delivered commanding displays to confirm their status among Africa’s elite.
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The record 12-time champions Al Ahly advanced 2-0 on aggregate against Aigle Noir, while South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns were in rampant form with a 7-1 aggregate triumph over Remo Stars.
Four-time winners Esperance of Tunisia dispatched Rahimo FC 4-0, and Moroccan giants AS FAR powered past Horoya AC 4-1 to reach consecutive group stages.
Mix of history and ambition
This season’s line-up promises a mix of history and fresh ambition.
MC Alger return to the group stage after edging Colombe of Cameroon 1-1 on aggregate via the away goals rule. Their return rekindles memories of their 1976 triumph, which remains one of Algeria’s proudest football moments.
Elsewhere, Petro de Luanda maintained Angola’s presence in the competition after a 4-0 aggregate win over Stade d’Abidjan, and Stade Malien carried Mali’s flag proudly after eliminating FC Nouadhibou 3-1 on aggregate.
Tanzania will once again be represented by Simba SC and Young Africans, while Power Dynamos of Zambia sealed a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over Vipers SC to return to the continent’s top tier after years away.
Orlando Pirates shocked
Sudanese powerhouse Al-Hilal Omdurman proved their consistency with a 4-1 aggregate win over Kenya Police, and DR Congo’s St. Éloi Lupopo made headlines by eliminating Orlando Pirates on penalties after a 3-3 tie on aggregate, making a rare group-stage appearance.
Two postponed ties remain: Pyramids FC (Egypt) will host Ethiopian Insurance on after a 1-1 draw in Addis Ababa, while RS Berkane (Morocco) will host Al Ahly Tripoli following a 1-1 draw in Libya.
The results of these matches will complete the 16-club line-up for the group stage.
The CAF Interclub Group Stage Draw for both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will take place on Monday, 3 November, at the SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg, starting at 14:00.
The group stage officially kicks off in November 2025, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
Qualified clubs for the CAF Champions League 2025/26 Group Stage
Al Ahly SC (EGY), Al-Hilal (SDN), AS FAR Rabat (MAR), Esperance (TUN), JS Kabylie (ALG), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), MC Alger (ALG), Petro de Luanda (ANG), Power Dynamos (ZAM), Rivers United (NGR), Simba SC (TAN), Stade Malien (MAL), St. Éloi Lupopo (DRC), Young Africans (TAN)
Pyramids FC / Ethiopian Insurance (To be determined)
RS Berkane / Al Ahly Tripoli (To be determined)
