CAF Champions League 2026-27: How the Groups Were Drawn
The 2026-27 CAF Champions League group stage is set, with Espérance de Tunis, Zamalek, Pyramids FC, and Orlando Pirates among the 16 clubs competing for Africa's most prestigious club soccer title.
The 2026-27 CAF Champions League is taking shape following the draw held on Wednesday, October 28, in Cairo, Egypt, where the 16 teams competing in the group stage learned their opponents.
The competition will feature some of Africa's biggest clubs, with representatives from countries including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Among the leading contenders are Espérance de Tunis, Zamalek SC, and Pyramids FC, all looking to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
The draw also produced intriguing matchups between clubs with continental experience and others hoping to cause an upset.
How the Four CAF Champions League Groups Were Drawn
The official distribution of the 16 participating clubs is as follows:
Group A
- Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
- Petro Atlético (Angola)
- FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania)
- Wiliete SC (Angola)
Group B
- Zamalek SC (Egypt)
- Young Africans (Tanzania)
- MC Alger (Algeria)
- Club Africain (Tunisia)
Group C
- RS Berkane (Morocco)
- Simba SC (Tanzania)
- Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
- Colombe Sportive (Cameroon)
Group D
- Pyramids FC (Egypt)
- Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)
- Horoya AC (Guinea)
- MAS de Fez (Morocco)
Which Is the Toughest Group in the CAF Champions League?
One of the most competitive sections could be Group B, where Zamalek SC will face Young Africans, MC Alger, and Club Africain.
Group C also promises to be challenging, particularly with RS Berkane, Simba SC, and Orlando Pirates all aiming to make deep runs in the competition.
Meanwhile, Group A features an interesting storyline: Wiliete SC qualified after eliminating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns during the qualifying rounds.
In Group D, Pyramids FC will look to use their experience against Al Hilal Omdurman, Horoya AC, and MAS de Fez.
When Does the CAF Champions League Group Stage Begin?
The group stage is scheduled to kick off between November 27 and 29, 2026.
Each team will play six matches, facing its three group opponents both home and away.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, where the battle for the continental title will continue.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026-27 CAF Champions League features 16 teams divided into four groups.
- Espérance de Tunis, Zamalek SC, RS Berkane, and Pyramids FC headline their respective groups.
- Wiliete SC qualified after eliminating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
- The group stage begins between November 27 and 29.
- The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
