CAF Champions League Group Stage: complete draw results and fixtures to look out for

The anticipation is over! The draw for the 2025/2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage was conducted today in Johannesburg, South Africa, setting the stage for some thrilling encounters in Africa’s most prestigious club tournament. The 16 qualified teams have been grouped into four challenging pools, promising intense rivalries, historic matchups, and a fierce battle for a place in the knockout stages.

The full draw results are as follows:

• Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids SC (Egypt), Rivers United FC (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia).
• Group B: Al Ahly FC (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria).
• Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal SC (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), Saint Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo).
• Group D: Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali).

Games to Watch and Why

While every group match in the CAF Champions League is a contest of high stakes, a few fixtures immediately jump out as must-watch clashes, promising to deliver maximum drama and defining moments for the tournament.

Al Ahly FC vs. AS FAR / JS Kabylie (Group B)

Group B presents a genuine “Group of Death,” headlined by the clashes involving the record 12-time champions, Al Ahly FC, and two North African heavyweights: Moroccan powerhouse AS FAR and Algerian giants JS Kabylie. The matches between these regional rivals are always heated affairs, steeped in history and pride. Al Ahly’s quest for a record-extending title will be severely tested by the tactical discipline of AS FAR and JSK, who bring their own continental pedigree. The addition of Tanzania’s Young Africans, backed by an incredibly passionate crowd, ensures that every single point in this group will be hard-fought, making the North African derbies particularly volatile and unpredictable.

RS Berkane vs. Pyramids SC (Group A)

This fixture pits two of the continent’s most ambitious and successful recent clubs against each other. Pyramids SC, the reigning CAF Champions League title holders, will be under pressure to prove their continental dominance is here to stay. They face RS Berkane, the current Moroccan league champions and a side known for their grit and excellent cup form. This is a fascinating test of continental hierarchy, pitting a top-tier Egyptian club against a resilient Moroccan champion. The head-to-head encounters are crucial, as the winner of this mini-battle will likely top the group, gaining a more favorable draw in the knockout stages.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Al Hilal SC (Group C)

The battle for supremacy in Group C hinges on the meetings between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Sudan’s Al Hilal. Sundowns are perennial tournament favorites, renowned for their “Total Football” style, emphasizing technical superiority and high possession. They consistently reach the latter stages of the competition, but often stumble. Al Hilal, on the other hand, are a consistently formidable and highly-organized side, known for their resilience despite the challenges of playing home games away from Sudan. This contest is a fascinating clash of attacking flair versus disciplined resistance, and the winner of this rivalry will be strongly favored to top this tricky group.

Espérance de Tunis vs. Simba SC (Group D)

Group D sets up a tense battle between the North African giants and the East African challenge. Four-time Champions League winners Espérance de Tunis will rely on their experience and intimidating home atmosphere in Tunis. Their biggest threat is arguably Simba SC from Tanzania. Simba has established itself as one of the most dangerous dark horses in African football, capable of upsetting any opponent on their day, thanks in no small part to the electric support of their home fans in Dar es Salaam. This fixture will be a true test of nerve and tactical strategy, with the outcome of their home and away ties significantly impacting the final standings in the group.

The group stage kicks off in late November, promising a rollercoaster of emotions and world-class football as 16 teams begin their journey to be crowned the champions of African club football.