CAF Champions League Draw Sets Up Tough Clashes

Egyptian giants Al Ahly, reigning CAF Champions League winners for the past two seasons, found themselves in a balanced group following today’s group stage draw held at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Al Ahly, the record 12-time champions, will compete in Group C alongside Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, and Ivory Coast’s Stade d’Abidjan.

The draw also set up an exciting clash between Moroccan powerhouses Raja Casablanca and AS FAR Rabat, both former champions, who find themselves in Group B alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and DR Congo’s Maniema Union.

Other Arab clubs will also face tough opposition in their respective groups. Sudan’s Al Hilal will compete against Algeria’s MC Alger, DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, and Tanzania’s Young Africans in Group A.

Last year’s finalist, Esperance de Tunis—four-time champions, most recently in 2019—will play in Group D facing Egypt’s Pyramids FC, Angola’s Sagrada Esperança, and Mali’s Djoliba AC.

Draw Results:

• Group A: TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Young Africans (Tanzania), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria)
• Group B: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Raja Casablanca (Morocco), AS FAR Rabat (Morocco), Maniema Union (DR Congo)
• Group C: Al Ahly (Egypt), CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Stade d’Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
• Group D: Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Sagrada Esperança (Angola), Djoliba AC (Mali)

CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek, the defending champions of the CAF Confederation Cup, have found themselves in a challenging Group D where they will face fellow Egyptian club Al Masry, Nigerian giants Enyimba, and debutants Black Bulls from Mozambique.

Although Black Bulls are relatively inexperienced, having been founded in 2017 and making their first appearance on the continental stage, Enyimba brings a wealth of experience. They have won the CAF Champions League twice (2003, 2004) but are still in pursuit of their first Confederation Cup title.

Last year’s runner-up RS Berkane faces an easier challenge in Group B. Their group includes Mali’s Stade Malien, South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC, and Angola’s Luanda Sol. Stade Malien is expected to compete with Berkane, who are aiming for their third title in history under the guidance of Tunisian coach Moein Chaabani.

Group A matches promise to be difficult for Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, the competition’s most successful club with three titles, as well as Algeria’s CS Constantine. They will go up against Tanzanian giants Simba SC, one of the strongest teams in the tournament, and Angola’s Bravos do Maquis, a lesser-known side.

CS Sfaxien, coached by Brazilian Alexandre dos Santos, formerly in charge of Petro de Luanda, is seeking to revive the club’s former glory. However, they face a difficult path, especially with Simba expected to be strong favorites for the quarterfinals, while CS Constantine will be looking to spring a surprise.

Algeria’s USM Alger, who withdrew from last season’s semifinals and lost their 2023 title, have been drawn in a tough Group C where they will face Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas, Senegal’s Jaraaf, and Botswana’s Orapa United.

USM Alger, led by experienced Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul and featuring a strong squad, will aim to reclaim the title.

The group stage matches will begin on November 28, 2024, and continue until January 19, 2025, with the final set for May 2025.