North African Derbies Headline Intense CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Draw
The highly anticipated draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 group stage has set up a series of mouth-watering clashes, most notably an Egyptian derby that will be keenly watched across the continent. Conducted in Johannesburg on Monday, November 3, 2025, the draw saw 16 teams divided into four groups, with the competition set to kick off on November 23, 2025.
Group D: The Unmissable ‘Group of Death’
The biggest talking point from the draw is undoubtedly Group D, which immediately earned the moniker “Group of Death.” It features a rare and explosive clash between Egyptian giants Zamalek SC (two-time winners of this competition) and their domestic rivals, Al Masry SC. Transplanting this fierce local derby onto the continental stage guarantees a high-stakes, emotionally charged battle where continental bragging rights are on the line.
Adding to the group’s intensity are South Africa’s formidable Kaizer Chiefs, one of the continent’s most recognised names, and Zambia’s experienced side, ZESCO United. For Kaizer Chiefs, this marks a brutal return to continental group stage football, as they will need to navigate the tactical mastery and hostile atmospheres of two North African powerhouses, in addition to the solid challenge presented by ZESCO. The fixtures between the two Egyptian sides and the two Southern African representatives promise to be pivotal in deciding the two qualification spots.
Group A: The Former Champions’ Path
Group A is anchored by the presence of 2022/23 CAFCC champions, USM Alger of Algeria. The North African side will be the clear favourite to top the group, leveraging their recent continental pedigree and experience. They are joined by the West African stalwarts Djoliba of Mali and the Moroccan debutants Olympic Safi. The fourth team, San Pédro from Côte d’Ivoire, will rely on home support to upset the established hierarchy. A key anticipated fixture here will be the clash between USM Alger and Djoliba, a contest of North African tactical discipline versus West African athleticism and skill, with the winner of this duel likely to take pole position.
Group B: Wydad’s Surprise Appearance
In Group B, the presence of Moroccan giants and former CAF Champions League winners, Wydad AC, is the main narrative. Their high seeding suggests they are the overwhelming favourites. The contest for the runner-up spot will be a captivating affair, primarily involving Central Africa’s Maniema Union from the DRC and the East African duo of Azam FC (Tanzania) and group stage debutants Nairobi United (Kenya). The crucial East African derby between Azam and Nairobi United will likely be decisive in this group. Wydad’s travels to Maniema Union will be an anticipated fixture, testing the Moroccan powerhouse’s quality against the Congolese side’s ruggedness in a challenging environment.
Group C: North vs. South Rivalry Renewed
Group C sets up another classic North versus South African battle. Algerian side CR Belouizdad, veterans of recent CAF Champions League group stages, face off against South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC, who made a significant impact in their previous continental run. This tie, pitting the Algerian club’s professional structure against the South African club’s potentially faster, technical style, is the highlight. They are joined by Congo’s AS Otohô and Tanzania’s debutants Singida Black Stars. Given CR Belouizdad’s pedigree, they are slight favourites, but Stellenbosch and AS Otohô, with their robust continental experience, will push hard for the knockout places.
The entire group stage is set to conclude in mid-February 2026, after which the eight qualifying teams will proceed to the quarter-finals. The drama, long journeys, and intense rivalries are now officially underway.
