The 2026–2027 CAF Champions League group stage draw took place on Wednesday in Cairo, reshaping the continent’s premier club competition after an opening round that eliminated the reigning champions, Radio France Internationale reported. Mamelodi Sundowns exited in the preliminary round against Angola’s Wiliete SC, while TP Mazembe and ASEC Mimosas also failed to reach the final 16. The draw event was broadcast live at 16:10 T.U. on YouTube RFI Live, with a rebroadcast scheduled for 21:10 T.U., featuring debate analysts Youssouf Mulumbu, Yoro Mangara, and Nabil Djellit alongside host Annie Gasnier. Alongside the continental club draws, the broadcast covered a Cameroonian candidate’s challenge for the FIFA presidency and an English lower-division League Cup upset. This year’s competition sees a significant redistribution of cards as Al Ahly and the previous edition’s finalist AS FAR participate in the CAF Confederation Cup instead, leaving the path open for other contenders.

Group Draws and Logistical Hurdles

The 16 surviving clubs split into four groups of four for a group stage slated to kick off on Nov. 27, Afrik-Foot reported. Group A pairs Espérance Tunis alongside Petro Atlético, FC Nouadhibou, and Wiliete SC. Group B groups Zamalek SC, Young Africans, MC Alger, and Club Africain, with MC Alger facing opponents accustomed to continental battles. Group C features RS Berkane, Simba SC, Orlando Pirates, and Colombe Sportive. Group D contains Pyramids FC, Al Hilal Omdurman, Horoya AC, and MAS de Fès. Among the recognized favorites heading into the groups are Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC, alongside the Moroccan champions and Espérance Tunis.

According to Afrik-Foot, Moroccan side RS Berkane faces an estimated 24,000 kilometers of travel across Tanzania, South Africa, and Cameroon in Group C. Espérance Tunis confronts a similarly demanding itinerary of roughly 18,000 kilometers in Group A, including two trips to Angola.

Early Round Surprises and Contender Paths

The preliminary rounds upended conventional favorites. Wiliete SC eliminated titleholders Mamelodi Sundowns following 0-0 and 1-1 draws anchored by forward Mabululu. Meanwhile, Espérance Tunis advanced past Swehly SC only after a penalty shootout following a 1-0 first-leg deficit, Afrik-Foot noted. TP Mazembe was knocked out by the African club, and ASEC Mimosas also missed out on the competition. Petro Atlético advanced after overturning a two-goal deficit against Scottland FC to win 3-2 on aggregate, while FC Nouadhibou overcame FC San Pedro 3-2 on aggregate. RS Berkane reached the group stage by defeating Star Sport Academy of Sierra Leone 3-0 on aggregate.

Orlando Pirates enters Group C under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou after missing last season’s group stage. Simba SC reached this phase after defeating 15 de Agosto 9-1 on aggregate following a fourth-place finish in their group last term, while Colombe Sportive advanced past Teungueth FC 3-0.

CAF Champions League Group Stage Schedule

The CAF Champions League group stage matches are scheduled to begin on Nov. 27, 2026.