Groups and Early Picks
The 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup group-stage draws have delivered several exciting matchups as Africa’s leading clubs continue their pursuit of continental glory.
Conducted at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo on Wednesday, October 28, the draws divided the participating clubs into four groups of four in each competition.
Zamalek, Espérance, Pyramids FC, Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly, Raja Casablanca and USM Alger are among the major clubs preparing for the group stage. There will also be opportunities for emerging sides such as Wiliete SC, Durban City and Colombe Sportive to test themselves against established African opposition.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
CAF Champions League 2026/27 Group-Stage Draw Results
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Espérance, Petro Atlético, FC Nouadhibou, Wiliete SC |
| Group B | Zamalek, Young Africans, MC Alger, Club Africain |
| Group C | RS Berkane, Simba SC, Orlando Pirates, Colombe Sportive |
| Group D | Pyramids FC, Al Hilal Omdurman, Horoya AC, MAS de Fès |
Group A: Espérance Face Two Angolan Teams
Four-time African champions Espérance enter Group A as the favourites, but the Tunisian giants cannot afford to underestimate Petro Atlético or Wiliete SC.
Petro Atlético have gained valuable experience in recent CAF campaigns and should provide Espérance with their strongest challenge for first place.
Wiliete enter the group with confidence after eliminating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns during the preliminary rounds. Their achievement demonstrates that they can compete against Africa’s established clubs.
FC Nouadhibou will also be determined to represent Mauritania strongly and make their home matches difficult for every visitor.
Early qualification picks: Espérance and Petro Atlético
Potential surprise: Wiliete SC
Group B: Zamalek Enter a Difficult North African Battle
Group B is arguably one of the most competitive sections of the CAF Champions League draw.
Five-time champions Zamalek will face MC Alger, Young Africans and Club Africain. The matches involving Zamalek, MC Alger and Club Africain should produce intense North African encounters, with away results likely to become particularly important.
Young Africans should not be treated as outsiders. The Tanzanian club have developed into a competitive continental team and will receive passionate support during their home fixtures.
Zamalek possess the history and experience required to finish first, but the fight for the second qualification place could remain open until the final matchday.
Early qualification picks: Zamalek and MC Alger
Potential surprise: Young Africans
Group C: RS Berkane, Orlando Pirates and Simba Collide
Group C brings together RS Berkane, Simba SC, Orlando Pirates and Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive.
Berkane have considerable experience in CAF competitions and should enter the group as slight favourites. However, Orlando Pirates and Simba are both capable of challenging for first place.
The meetings between Pirates and Simba should be among the most entertaining fixtures of the group stage. Both clubs have strong support bases and extensive experience of continental football.
Colombe Sportive will begin as the least-fancied team, but their presence adds an unpredictable element to an already competitive group.
Early qualification picks: RS Berkane and Orlando Pirates
Potential surprise: Simba SC
Group D: Pyramids and Al Hilal Lead the Race
Pyramids FC were drawn alongside Al Hilal Omdurman, Horoya AC and MAS de Fès.
Pyramids, the 2024/25 continental champions, should possess enough quality to challenge for the top position. Their financial strength and squad depth make them one of the early favourites for the CAF Champions League title.
Al Hilal have become regular competitors in the latter stages of African football and should offer Pyramids a serious challenge.
Horoya and MAS de Fès also have continental experience, meaning neither of the favourites can expect an easy route into the quarter-finals.
Early qualification picks: Pyramids FC and Al Hilal Omdurman
Potential surprise: MAS de Fès
CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 Draw Results
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Al Ahly, Raja Casablanca, ASKO Kara, Primeiro de Agosto |
| Group B | AS FAR, Azam FC, Al Ahly Tripoli, Durban City |
| Group C | CR Belouizdad/AS Douanes/Hafia, Maniema Union, Singida Black Stars, Red Arrows |
| Group D | USM Alger, CS Sfaxien, Black Bulls, Real Bamako |
One position in Group C remains subject to the outcome of an outstanding qualification tie.
Al Ahly and Raja Headline Confederation Cup Group A
Group A immediately stands out because it includes Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Moroccan powerhouse Raja Casablanca.
Both clubs possess significant continental history, large supporter bases and the experience required to navigate difficult away matches. Their two meetings could determine which club finishes at the top of the group.
ASKO Kara of Togo and Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto complete the section. Primeiro de Agosto have enough continental experience to challenge the favourites, particularly during their home fixtures.
Early qualification picks: Al Ahly and Raja Casablanca
Potential surprise: Primeiro de Agosto
AS FAR Favourites in Confederation Cup Group B
Morocco’s AS FAR headline a balanced Group B containing Azam FC, Al Ahly Tripoli and South African newcomers Durban City.
AS FAR should enter the group as favourites because of their squad quality and continental pedigree. The battle for second place could be much more difficult to predict.
Azam have shown steady development in Tanzania, while Al Ahly Tripoli will be dangerous at home. Durban City are making their Confederation Cup debut and will hope to continue their historic campaign.
Early qualification picks: AS FAR and Azam FC
Potential surprise: Durban City
Group C Remains Partially Unresolved
Maniema Union, Singida Black Stars and Red Arrows have been placed in Group C alongside one of CR Belouizdad, AS Douanes or Hafia.
The identity of the final participant could significantly influence the group. If CR Belouizdad qualify, the Algerian club would immediately become one of the favourites.
Red Arrows earned attention by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs, while Maniema Union possess the physical strength and experience to compete for qualification.
Early qualification picks: Maniema Union and the final qualifying team
Potential surprise: Red Arrows
USM Alger and CS Sfaxien Meet in Group D
Group D features an intriguing North African contest between former champions USM Alger and CS Sfaxien.
Both clubs understand the tactical and logistical challenges of CAF competitions. Their experience makes them the leading qualification candidates, but Black Bulls and Real Bamako will attempt to disrupt those predictions.
Black Bulls have become an increasingly competitive team from Mozambique, while Real Bamako will look to use their home fixtures to collect important points.
Early qualification picks: USM Alger and CS Sfaxien
Potential surprise: Black Bulls
When Will the CAF Group Stage Begin?
The group stage of both CAF competitions will begin during the weekend of November 27–29, 2026.
The six scheduled matchdays are:
- Matchday 1: November 27–29, 2026
- Matchday 2: December 4–6, 2026
- Matchday 3: December 18–20, 2026
- Matchday 4: January 8–10, 2027
- Matchday 5: January 15–17, 2027
- Matchday 6: January 22–24, 2027
The top two clubs from every group will qualify for the quarter-finals. CAF Champions League winners will receive a record prize of $6 million.
Football supporters can follow the latest CAF fixtures and explore available match markets with Bangbet. Consider home form, continental experience, travel demands, squad availability and confirmed lineups before selecting your CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup picks.
These early predictions are based on continental pedigree and recent performances; they are not guaranteed outcomes.
Bet responsibly. Football betting should only be treated as entertainment, and players should never wager more than they can afford to lose.
