Sixteen Teams Confirmed for CAF Confédération Cup Group Stage as Giants, Debutants and Drama Define Final Qualifiers
The line-up for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage has been confirmed after a dramatic weekend of second-leg clashes that produced goals, upsets and history across Africa.
The 16 qualified clubs include continental heavyweights, past champions, and spirited newcomers — setting the stage for a mouthwatering draw in Johannesburg on Monday, 3 November.
North African dominance continues
Powerhouses from North Africa once again underlined their strength. Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca crushed Asante Kotoko 5–1 in Casablanca to secure a 6–1 aggregate triumph.
Fellow Moroccan side OC Safi advanced for the first time despite a 2–1 loss to Stade Tunisien, progressing 3–2 on aggregate.
Egypt also boasts a double presence: Zamalek SC eased through 7–0 on aggregate against Dekedda of Somalia, reaffirming their title credentials, while Al Masry edged Al-Ittihad 2–1 over two legs in an intense Libyan derby.
In Algeria, USM Alger — winners of the 2023 edition — and CR Belouizdad both qualified after commanding home victories, marking another season of strong representation for the Maghreb.
Southern African strength and surprises
South Africa joins Morocco as another nation with two teams in the group stage.
Kaizer Chiefs delivered a 3–1 victory over AS Simba of DR Congo, matching the aggregate scoreline, while Stellenbosch FC produced one of their finest continental displays to thrash 15 de Agosto 4–1 and advance by the same margin.
Tanzania also enjoys double representation after Azam FC’s record-breaking 9–0 aggregate win over KMKM, and Singida Black Stars’ spirited comeback to eliminate Flambeau du Centre 3–2 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, ZESCO United of Zambia held firm in Botswana to complete a 5–4 aggregate win over Jwaneng Galaxy, and Royal Leopards of Eswatini produced the weekend’s most dramatic story — scoring a 90+10’ equaliser before going down 4–3 on penalties against Maniema Union.
East and West Africa deliver emerging stories
Côte d’Ivoire’s San Pedro continued their impressive run with a 3–1 away win at Coton FC in Benin to seal a 4–1 aggregate triumph, while Nairobi United of Kenya scripted a fairytale debut campaign — edging Etoile du Sahel 7–6 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate draw.
Mali’s Djoliba battled past USFA 2–1 on aggregate, and AS Otoho of Congo progressed 3–0 over Ferroviário Maputo, completing a balanced 16-team field drawn from 14 nations.
Big names and new faces collide
The upcoming group stage promises compelling contrasts: clubs like Zamalek, Wydad, and USM Alger bring continental pedigree, while clubs such as Stellenbosch, Nairobi United, and Singida Black Stars embody the next generation of African contenders.
With five nations — Morocco, South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, and Tanzania — boasting double representation, regional rivalries are set to intensify.
What’s next
The CAF Interclub Group Stage Draw will be held at SuperSport studios in Johannesburg on 3 November 2025, live on CAF’s digital platforms.
The 16 teams will be split into four groups of four, with matches kicking off in November.
From defending champions to debutants, the 2025/26 edition of Africa’s second-tier club competition already promises another captivating chapter in the continent’s football story.
The 16 clubs qualified
Zamalek (EGY)
USM Alger (ALG)
Wydad (MAR)
CR Belouizdad (ALG)
Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)
Stellenbosch (RSA)
Azam (TAN)
Singida Black Stars (TAN)
ZESCO United (ZAM)
Maniema Union (DRC)
San Pedro (CIV)
OC Safi (MAR)
Nairobi United (KEN)
AS Otoho (CGO)
Djoliba (MLI)
Al Masry (EGY)
