The 16 teams that will compete in the group stages of the CAF Champions League have been confirmed following the conclusion of the second-round qualifying matches over the weekend. The biggest surprise was the elimination of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who failed to secure a place in the next stage after losing to Angolan side Wiliete SC.

South Africa will have only one representative in the group stages this season, with Orlando Pirates progressing while Sundowns suffered an early exit. The two clubs had different fortunes compared to last season, when Sundowns represented the country in the competition.

Wiliete booked their place in the group stages after holding Sundowns to a 1-1 aggregate draw and progressing on the away-goals rule. The result was a major achievement for the Angolan club, which eliminated one of Africa’s strongest teams. Pirates, meanwhile, secured qualification with a comfortable 5-0 aggregate victory over African Stars of Namibia.

The qualified teams include several former African champions and clubs with strong continental records. Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Tanzania will each have two representatives in the group stages, making them the most represented countries in the competition.

Egypt will be represented by Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC, while Morocco has MAS de Fès and RS Berkane. Tunisia’s representatives are Espérance and Club Africain, with Simba SC and Young Africans qualifying from Tanzania.

The remaining qualified clubs are Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan, Colombe Sportive of Cameroon, FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania, Horoya AC of Guinea, MC Alger of Algeria, Petro Atlético and Wiliete SC of Angola, and Orlando Pirates of South Africa.

South African coaches Steve Barker and Manqoba Mngqithi have also reached the group stages with Simba SC and Young Africans, respectively. However, Mngqithi has reportedly been dismissed by Young Africans after the team fell five points behind their rivals in the domestic league.

The group-stage draw is scheduled to take place at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at 14:00 South African time. The 16 clubs will be divided into four groups of four teams each, with the competition expected to begin in November.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of the continental title. The eventual winners are set to receive a record prize of USD 6 million, worth approximately R100 million.

Meanwhile, the CAF Confederation Cup group-stage draw will also take place in Cairo on Wednesday. Durban City will represent South Africa in that competition after Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated by Zambian side Red Arrows on penalties.

Source: IDiskiTimes