By Victor Kanayo
As from November 26, 2024, hostilities will be intense for both CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup at group stage after organisers rolled out draws and fixtures.
For the Champions League, Africa’s most successful club and current champions Al Ahly SC of Egypt with 12 titles, headline one of toughest groups in the competition.
Group C consists of CR Belouizdad of Algeria, former champions Orlando Pirates, as well as Stade D’ Abidjan who are also making their first group stage appearance.
Five-time champions TP Mazembe, headline Group A that sees them face off against the ever-improving Young Africans, a plucky Al Hilal as well as MC Alger of Algeria.
Group B sees 2016 champions, Mamelodi Sundowns who yearn an elusive second title having to travel up North twice to face three-time champions, Raja Casablanca as well as AS FAR – both from Morocco.
The group is completed by DR Congo outfit; Maniema Union FC who are enjoying a dream start to their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League debut with a group stage berth.
Group C is naturally headlined by the reigning champions, Al Ahly SC who are looking at further extending their dominance on the continent.
The last group of the competition sees last season’s runners-up, ES Tunis having to face stiff competition from the ever-ambitious Pyramids FC as well as the two group stage debutants GD Segrada Esperanca and Djoliba AC of Mali.
Confederation Cup
In the Confederation Cup, defending champions Zamalek SC, in Group D, have been drawn alongside their compatriots Al Masry, former African champions Enyimba from Nigeria and Mozambique’s Black Bulls.
Zamalek, known for their illustrious history, aim to defend their title and secure further glory on the continental stage.
In Group C, another side that has enjoyed success; USM Alger of Algeria lead the charge against tough Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf of Senegal and Orapa United from Botswana.
Group B features RS Berkane, a two-time champion from Morocco, who face the challenge of competing against Stade Malien of Mali and South African debutants Stellenbosch FC. Angolan side CD Lunda Sul round up this competitive group, promising high-caliber matches.
The most competitive group, dubbed the “Group of Death,” is Group A, which boasts a line-up of heavyweights: Simba SC of Tanzania, CS Sfaxien from Tunisia, and Algerian powerhouses CS Constantine, complemented by Angola’s Bravos do Maquis.
The group stages will be played between November 2024 and January 2025.
At A Glance
CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw:
Group A: TP Mazembe (RDC), Young Africans SC (TAN), Al Hilal (SUD) ,MC Alger (ALG).
Group B: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Raja CA (MAR), AS FAR (MAR) Maniema Union (RDC).
Group C: Al Ahly SC (EGY), CR Belouizdad (ALG), Orlando Pirates (RSA), Stade D ‘Abidjan (CIV).
Group D: ES Tunis (TUN), Pyramids FC (EGY) ,GD Segrada Esperanca (ANG), Djoliba AC (MLI).
CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Simba SC (Tanzania), CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), CS Constantine (Algeria), Bravos do Maquis (Angola).
Group B: RS Berkane (Morocco), Stade Malien (Mali), Stellenbosch (South Africa), CD Lunda Sul (Angola).
Group C: USM Alger (Algeria), ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), ASC Jaraaf (Senegal), Orapa United (Botswana).
Group D: Zamalek SC (Egypt), Al Masry (Egypt), Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Black Bulls (Mozambique).
