Egypt’s Al Ahly SC, boasting a staggering 12 titles, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh off an electrifying 7–1 aggregate win over Remo Stars, will spearhead Monday’s group stage draw in Johannesburg.
Al Ahly will be entering the draw with an air of confidence. Africa’s ‘‘Club of the Century’’ has consistently proven its dominance on the continental stage. Each match holds the promise of history, and Al Ahly is determined to add another chapter to its storied legacy.
On the other hand, Sundowns arrive at this pivotal moment after closing out the preliminary round with their striking prowess on full display. Their latest statement win will make them a formidable opponent as they aim for continental glory once more. Coupled with a passionate fan base and a wealth of talent, Sundowns will be a team to watch throughout the tournament.
The other 12 qualified clubs will join Africa’s two most storied teams in the 16-team group stage. The draw will take place at the SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg.
Two slots remain undecided due to pending final qualification matches. Pyramids FC will face Ethiopian Insurance, while RS Berkane will play Al Ahly Tripoli. Both matches will take place next week.
This season’s line-up highlights a captivating blend of historic giants and rising clubs ready to make their mark. Renowned teams like ES Tunis (Tunisia) and AS FAR Rabat (Morocco), both of whom have demonstrated their prowess by achieving commanding qualifying victories to solidify their places in this tournament.
The four-time champions, Esperance of Tunisia, also impressed, defeating Rahimo FC 4-0. Simultaneously, Moroccan titans AS FAR powered through Horoya AC with a 4–1 victory, ensuring their third consecutive appearances in the group stage.
For many teams, including the Algerian side MC Alger and Angolan club Petro de Luanda, this year’s group stage presents another chance for glory. MC Alger’s return evokes nostalgia, harking back to their celebrated 1976 triumph, while Petro de Luanda’s solid performance against Stade d’Abidjan kept Angola’s hopes alive in the tournament.
Other notable teams include Sudan’s Al-Hilal, who claimed a convincing 4–1 aggregate win over Kenya Police and DR Congo’s St. Éloi Lupopo, who made headlines by eliminating the formidable Orlando Pirates on penalties following a nail-biting 3-3 aggregate tie. Their rare group-stage entry adds to the intrigue surrounding this year’s contest.
The stage is set for an unforgettable season, as the draw will determine the path to the quarter-finals, with the top two teams from each group advancing. The group stage officially starts in mid-November 2025.
As the countdown to Monday’s event continues, global viewers can watch it live on CAF’s digital platforms, making it an unmissable occasion for all African football enthusiasts.
