The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup gets underway this weekend with 26 first-leg encounters, marking the start of a campaign that will stretch deep into next year.
Clubs from every corner of the continent are vying for a foothold in Africa’s second-tier competition, where the immediate reward for early progress is a chance to face some of the continent’s most established names in next month’s second preliminary round.
Six seeded teams — Wydad AC, USM Alger, CR Belouizdad, Zamalek, Al Masry, and Stellenbosch — have been handed byes and will join the competition in October.
Their presence ensures added weight to this opening phase, where winners of these ties are effectively playing for both advancement and a glamour match-up.
Key Fixtures to Watch
Among the standout pairings, Asante Kotoko of Ghana clash with Nigeria’s Kwara United in a battle of proud West African sides.
Kotoko, two-time African champions, enter the tournament eager to reclaim continental stature, while Kwara’s compact, athletic unit will look to frustrate in Kumasi and tilt the contest heading into the return leg.
In Senegal, Génération Foot host Côte d’Ivoire’s Amadou Diallo FC in what promises to be a duel of youthful talent. Génération Foot, long regarded as a breeding ground for stars, thrive on quick transitions and set-piece sharpness.
The Ivorians, meanwhile, bring direct pace and an aggressive pressing game. The winner is set to meet USM Alger, champions of this competition two years ago.
Elsewhere, Hafia FC take on fellow Guinean side Bhantal FC in Conakry, with the victor in line for a heavyweight second-round clash with CR Belouizdad of Algeria.
In Ouagadougou, USFA face Nigeria’s Abia Warriors, debutants on the continental stage. The Warriors will lean on counter-attacking speed, but should they progress, Djoliba AC of Mali await in round two.
East Africa also offers intrigue: Azam FC of Tanzania travel across the water for a Zanzibar derby against KMKM SC, while Uganda’s NEC FC meet Sudan’s Al Ahli Madani, with the iconic Étoile du Sahel awaiting the eventual winner.
Southern and Central Africa Battles
Southern Africa throws up a clash of pedigree in Zesco United (Zambia) against Mighty Wanderers (Malawi). Zesco’s tournament experience and aerial strength make them slight favourites, though the Nomads’ tempo could unsettle the tie. Victory here sets up a date with Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy.
In Central Africa, a Congolese side lines up against Angola’s Kabuscorp de Palanca, with the carrot of facing Kaizer Chiefs in round two adding further intensity to the fixture.
Demands of the Preliminary Stage
The coming fortnight will test teams not only technically but also logistically, with long travel, short turnarounds, and challenging venues all in play.
Home clubs will focus on building cushions in this weekend’s first legs (19–21 September), knowing clean sheets can be decisive before return fixtures (26–28 September).
If level on aggregate after two matches, ties proceed to extra time and penalties. The victors will advance to the second preliminary round (17–19 October, with return legs on 24–26 October).
A further step forward secures entry into the group stage starting 21 November, the gateway to continental relevance that stretches into 2026.
