CAF Shares Latest Update on Champions League Group Stage

CAF Champions League Draw: Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids FC Prepare for Tough Group-Stage Challenge

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the group-stage draw for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, setting the stage for another exciting battle among Africa’s leading clubs. Attention is now turning to the opponents awaiting Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, coached by South African tactician Rulani Mokwena.

The draw is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, with 16 qualified teams set to be divided into four groups of four. The group-stage fixtures are expected to begin in November, marking the next important phase of the competition.

Pyramids head into the group stage with considerable confidence after successfully navigating the preliminary rounds. The Egyptian club defeated South Sudanese side El Merriekh Bentiu 4-0 in the second leg to complete a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory and secure their place among the continent’s elite.

Mokwena’s impressive start at Pyramids has attracted attention, with the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach building momentum as he attempts to establish the Egyptian outfit as a dominant force in African football.

The club also has recent continental success to draw inspiration from, having won the CAF Champions League in the 2024/25 season. Their experience and quality could make them a difficult opponent for any team they encounter during the group stage.

However, the competition will not be straightforward. Several established African powerhouses have also qualified, including Tunisia’s Espérance, Morocco’s RS Berkane, Egypt’s Zamalek and Algeria’s MC Alger. Each team will be determined to progress beyond the group stage and move closer to lifting the prestigious continental trophy.

South African football will be represented by Orlando Pirates, who secured qualification after defeating Namibia’s African Stars 5-0 on aggregate. Their presence offers local supporters another opportunity to follow the country’s progress on the continental stage.

Meanwhile, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a surprising elimination against Angola’s Wiliete SC, who secured a historic place in the group stage. Sundowns’ absence leaves the competition without the reigning champions and opens the door for another club to claim the title.

Under the competition format, the 16 teams will be divided into four groups, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.

For Mokwena and Pyramids, the immediate objective will be to secure a favourable draw and begin their campaign strongly. With several experienced opponents in contention, every match could prove decisive.

The group-stage draw will therefore provide a clearer picture of the challenges ahead as Africa’s leading clubs continue their pursuit of continental glory.

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

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