CAF Champions League:  African Heavyweights Confirm Group Stage Spots

Africa’s top clubs are closing in on the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage, with fourteen teams already sealing qualification and two final slots to be determined in early November.

After an intense weekend of decisive second-leg clashes across the continent, familiar powerhouses and rising challengers booked their tickets for the lucrative group stage.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly, winners of a record 12 titles, once again demonstrated their pedigree by cruising past Aigle Noir with a 2–0 aggregate win. The defending champions remain on course for yet another run at continental glory.

In South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns reminded everyone why they are among the modern greats of African football. The Pretoria-based side demolished Remo Stars 7–1 on aggregate, maintaining their remarkable streak of eleven consecutive group stage appearances.

Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis also made light work of their tie, sweeping aside Rahimo FC 4–0 on aggregate. The four-time African champions are eyeing a return to the summit after a few quiet seasons.

Elsewhere in North Africa, AS FAR Rabat brushed aside Guinea’s Horoya AC 4–1 on aggregate to secure successive qualifications, while Algeria celebrated a double breakthrough as JS Kabylie and MC Alger both advanced.

Kabylie eased past US Monastir 5–1, and MC Alger squeezed through on away goals after a tight battle with Colombe of Cameroon. Southern Africa also had plenty to cheer about. Petro de Luanda carried Angola’s hopes in style with a 4–0 aggregate triumph over Stade d’Abidjan, while Zambia’s Power Dynamos edged Vipers SC 3–2 on aggregate to make a long-awaited group stage return.

Meanwhile, Stade Malien ensured Mali’s flag will fly high after defeating FC Nouadhibou 3–1 on aggregate, capping a brilliant home performance.

Two ties are yet to be decided: Pyramids FC will host Ethiopian Insurance in Cairo on November 1 after a 1–1 first-leg draw, while RS Berkane face Al Ahly Tripoli in Morocco for their second leg next weekend, also tied at 1–1.

Once these fixtures are concluded, the 16-team roster will be complete ahead of the CAF Interclub Group Stage Draw scheduled for Monday, November 3.

The group stage kicks off in November, with the sixteen teams split into four groups of four. Only the top two from each pool will move on to the quarter-finals.

Teams Qualified for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League Group Stage
Al Ahly (Egypt)

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

ES Tunis (Tunisia)

AS FAR Rabat (Morocco)

MC Alger (Algeria)

JS Kabylie (Algeria)

Petro de Luanda (Angola)

Simba SC (Tanzania)

Stade Malien (Mali)

Al-Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)

Power Dynamos (Zambia)

St. Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Young Africans (Tanzania)

Rivers United (Nigeria)

Pyramids FC / Ethiopian Insurance (to be decided)

RS Berkane / Al Ahly Tripoli (to be decided)