African club football now demands ambition, planning, and consistency. Teams across the continent no longer settle for participation.
They aim for dominance, visibility, and lasting success.
The CAF Champions League era has reshaped African football into a test of quality, endurance, and professionalism.
Record Participation and Broader Access
The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League features a record 62 clubs, the largest field in the competition’s history.
This expansion reflects CAF’s continued mission to make top-tier football accessible across Africa.
The format allows more clubs from diverse nations to compete against the continent’s elite.
CAF also introduced a new USD 100,000 subsidy for clubs eliminated in the first two preliminary rounds.
This support helps cover travel and logistical expenses. It encourages smaller clubs to participate and rewards effort even before reaching the group stage.
Financially, it marks a shift toward inclusion and sustainability.
Season Schedule and Format
The competition began with the Preliminary Round in September 2025. First-leg matches took place between 19–21 September, with the return legs from 26–28 September.
The Second Preliminary Round follows on 17–19 October for the first leg and 24–26 October for the second.
Winners from these stages advance to the Group Stage, which starts on 21 November 2025.
The Knockout Phase begins on 13 March 2026, and the final will be held in May 2026.
This clear structure allows fans to follow each stage while clubs plan their seasons with precision.
CAF also maintains strong financial incentives. The champion earns USD 4 million, while the runner-up takes USD 2 million.
Semi-finalists and quarter-finalists also receive significant rewards.
These figures motivate teams to push deeper into the tournament, balancing ambition with financial growth.
What Drives Success in the Modern Era
Modern African clubs now compete far beyond the pitch. They must invest in strong management, quality infrastructure, and long-term player development.
Financial stability plays a key role in surviving the travel demands and high costs of continental football.
Youth academies now define the difference between consistent clubs and occasional qualifiers. Developing homegrown players helps reduce transfer spending and build team identity.
Clubs like Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, and ASEC Mimosas show how academy structures can create sustained success.
Travel and logistics remain major hurdles. Africa’s vast distances mean players face long flights, changing climates, and demanding schedules.
Clubs that plan logistics well, secure local sponsors, and manage travel efficiently gain a crucial competitive edge.
CAF’s five-year ranking system also shapes competition. Consistent continental performance earns better seeding and sometimes byes into later rounds.
Nations with high-ranking clubs benefit through improved access for their league champions.
Building Club Identity and Fan Engagement
Media exposure now plays a vital role in how clubs compete. CAF’s broadcast network ensures fans across Africa and beyond can follow every stage live.
Clubs that actively use digital platforms to share behind-the-scenes content, player interviews, and highlights increase fan loyalty.
Social media engagement builds brand power, attracting sponsors and growing revenues.
Matchday experience also matters. Clubs that improve stadium safety, ticketing systems, and fan comfort see larger home crowds.
Those supporters often become long-term financial backers through merchandise and memberships. Fan connection now equals strength.
Key Fixtures and Rising Ambitions
This season’s lineup offers thrilling encounters. Moroccan champions RS Berkane make their return after winning the CAF Confederation Cup.
They face ASC Kara of Togo in a promising clash. South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, semi-finalists last season, meet Lioli FC of Lesotho.
Zambia’s Power Dynamos take on Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas, who hold one of the richest traditions in African football.
Such fixtures show how far African club football has evolved. Established teams continue to dominate, but emerging clubs from smaller leagues now challenge the old order with ambition and tactical awareness. That competitive spirit defines this era.
Growth, Challenge, and the Future
The 2025/26 season stands as a milestone in CAF history. With record participation, increased funding, and greater visibility, the Champions League embodies Africa’s football growth.
It proves that when opportunity meets organization, African clubs can compete with global standards.
Yet challenges remain. Clubs must improve administration, upgrade facilities, and strengthen youth systems to stay relevant.
The financial support from CAF eases the journey, but success still depends on local governance and discipline.
African football continues to rise. The CAF Champions League now represents not only a trophy but a benchmark for progress.
Every club that steps onto that stage carries the hope of its nation and the pride of the continent.
Those who adapt, plan, and believe will define the next great chapter in African football.
