African Champions League: Tough groups for the favorites

The CAF Champions League draw took place on Wednesday in Cairo. Several promising matches are on the cards, notably in Group A, which features a clash between Angolan clubs and the presence of Espérance de Tunis. Pyramids FC, the 2025 champions, will have to be wary of experienced opponents.

In Group A , Espérance de Tunis will face Petro Atlético and Wiliete, two Angolan teams, as well as FC Nouadhibou, representing Mauritania. Wiliete arrives with heightened confidence after eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending champions, in the previous round.

Group B promises to be particularly competitive. Zamalek of Egypt are the favorites, but will have to contend with MC Alger, Club Africain of Tunisia, and Young Africans of Tanzania. Matches between North African clubs in this group could prove crucial in the race for qualification.

In Group C , Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, three-time CAF Confederation Cup winners, face a tough challenge. The Moroccan club will take on Simba SC, a Tanzanian football powerhouse, South Africa's Orlando Pirates, and Cameroon's Colombe Sportive, who defeated Teungueth FC. The Pirates will be managed by Abdeslam Ouaddou, a former Moroccan international.

Finally, Group D will pit Pyramids FC, winners of the 2025 edition, against Al-Hilal of Sudan, Horoya AC of Guinea, and MAS of Fez. Returning to this stage of the competition, Horoya will try to compete against opponents experienced in continental tournaments.

The composition of the four groups

Group A

Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)

Petro Atlético (Angola)

FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania)

Wiliete (Angola)

Group B

Zamalek (Egypt)

Young Africans (Tanzania)

MC Alger (Algeria)

Club Africain (Tunisia)

Group C

RS Berkane (Morocco)

Simba SC (Tanzania)

Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

Colombe Sportive (Cameroon)

Group D

Pyramids FC (Egypt)

Al-Hilal (Sudan)

Horoya AC (Guinea)

MAS of Fez (Morocco)