Cairo – Saba:
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the preliminary round draws for the 2025-2026 African Champions League and Confederation Cup on Saturday, outlining the paths for Egyptian clubs Al Ahly, Pyramids, Zamalek, and El Masry in the continental competitions.
Defending champions and Africa’s top-ranked club in 2025, Al Ahly, received a bye in the first preliminary round, along with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. In the round of 32, Al Ahly will face the winner of the tie between Burundi’s Aigle Noir and Djibouti’s ASAS.
Meanwhile, Pyramids will begin their campaign in the round of 64 against Rwanda’s APR FC, with the first leg away and the return match at Egypt’s Air Defense Stadium. If they advance, Pyramids will meet the winner of Ethiopia’s Insurance FC and Zanzibar’s Mlandege in the round of 32, following the same fixture order (away first, then home).
Other notable round of 64 fixtures include Tunisia’s Esperance against Niger’s AS GNN, Morocco’s RS Berkane against Togo’s ASKO Kara, Sudan’s Al Hilal versus South Sudan’s Al-Ghazal, Tanzania’s Simba SC against Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, and Tanzania’s Young Africans against Angola’s Wiliete.
The first-leg matches of the round of 64 are scheduled for September 19-21, with the return legs set for September 26-28. The round of 32 will begin on October 17-19, followed by the second legs on October 24-26. The group stage will kick off on November 21, 2025, and continue until March 2026.
This draw marks the beginning of African clubs’ preparations for the new season, with Egypt’s Al Ahly aiming to retain their continental title, while Pyramids seek a strong start in their debut Champions League campaign.
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