CAF Champions League Draw: Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids FC Gears Up for Challenging Group-Stage Battle

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the group-stage draw for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, setting the stage for an exhilarating contest among Africa's top clubs. Focus is now on the teams that Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC, under the guidance of South African coach Rulani Mokwena, will face.

The draw will take place in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, where 16 qualified teams will be placed into four groups of four. The group-stage matches are anticipated to kick off in November, marking a significant step in the tournament.

Pyramids enter the group stage with a strong sense of confidence after successfully passing through the preliminary rounds, having defeated South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu 4-0 in the second leg for a convincing aggregate score of 5-0 that secured their spot among Africa's elite.

Mokwena, who previously managed Mamelodi Sundowns, has garnered attention for his strong start at Pyramids, working to establish the club as a formidable presence in African football.

Building on recent continental achievements, including their CAF Champions League victory in the 2024/25 season, Pyramids possess the experience and skill to challenge any team in the group stage.

However, they will face stiff competition from several established African clubs, such as Tunisia's Espérance, Morocco's RS Berkane, Egypt's Zamalek, and Algeria's MC Alger, all determined to advance to the next round and vie for the prestigious trophy.

South African representation in the tournament includes Orlando Pirates, who qualified after a 5-0 aggregate win over Namibia's African Stars, offering local fans another opportunity to support their team on the continental stage.

In a surprising turn, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated by Angola's Wiliete SC, marking the latter’s historic entry into the group stage and leaving the title open for a new champion to emerge.

Under the competition’s structure, the 16 teams will be split into four groups, with the top two from each group moving on to the quarter-finals.

For Mokwena and Pyramids FC, the immediate goal will be a favorable draw, aiming for a strong start in their campaign. With formidable opponents in the mix, each match is likely to be crucial.

The upcoming group-stage draw will clarify the challenges ahead for Africa's top clubs as they continue in their quest for continental success.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115423587121107367?a=vgCifE7RJ4mDqlS8ej4&s=19