CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates Learn Their Continental Opponents as All 16 Teams Qualify

The race for continental glory has taken another major step forward after all 16 teams qualified for the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, following the conclusion of the second preliminary round on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

The qualification campaign delivered exciting encounters, surprising eliminations and impressive performances as clubs from across Africa battled for places in the competition's next phase.

South African football giants Orlando Pirates are among the teams that successfully secured qualification, giving local supporters another reason to look forward to the upcoming group-stage campaign.

Orlando Pirates Fly the South African Flag

Orlando Pirates booked their place in the group stage in convincing fashion after defeating Namibian outfit African Stars 4-0 in their second-leg encounter.

The Buccaneers completed a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory, demonstrating their determination to compete against Africa's leading clubs.

However, South African football suffered a significant setback after defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated by Angola's Wiliete SC.

Despite playing to a 1-1 draw in the second leg, Sundowns were knocked out after the tie finished level on aggregate, with Wiliete progressing under the away-goals rule.

The unexpected elimination means Pirates will carry South Africa's hopes in the competition as they prepare to face some of the continent's strongest opponents.

All 16 Qualified Teams Revealed

The confirmed list features established continental contenders alongside ambitious clubs eager to make their mark on African football.

The 16 teams that have qualified for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage are:

Simba SC – Tanzania

Pyramids FC – Egypt

Young Africans – Tanzania

Petro de Luanda – Angola

Wiliete SC – Angola

Orlando Pirates – South Africa

MC Alger – Algeria

Espérance de Tunis – Tunisia

Horoya AC – Guinea

Zamalek SC – Egypt

RS Berkane – Morocco

Colombe Sportive – Cameroon

Al Hilal – Sudan

MAS de Fès – Morocco

Club Africain – Tunisia

FC Nouadhibou – Mauritania

The lineup highlights the geographical diversity of African club football, with several countries boasting multiple representatives.

Exciting Group-Stage Battles Await

Egyptian sides Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC will be among the clubs targeting a deep run, while Tunisia's Espérance de Tunis and Club Africain will also be determined to challenge for continental honours.

Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Young Africans have both qualified, setting the stage for another opportunity to showcase their country's growing influence in African football.

Meanwhile, Angola's Petro de Luanda and Wiliete SC will aim to build on their successful qualifying campaigns.

Cameroon's Colombe Sportive have also made history by reaching the group stage for the first time, adding another compelling storyline to this season's competition.

Group-Stage Draw Approaches

Attention now shifts to the group-stage draw, scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October 2026, when the 16 qualified clubs will discover their opponents.

For Orlando Pirates, the draw will reveal the challenges awaiting them as they pursue continental success.

With the qualification rounds complete, the stage is set for another competitive edition of Africa's premier club competition.

Source https://x.com/i/status/2114444445772923027