The CAF Champions League group stage kicks off on 26 November. The teams to watch include defending champions Al Ahly, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, and Tunisia’s Espérance.
Last season, Al Ahly beat Espérance de Tunis in the final of the CAF Champions League. Ahly have been the dominant side in recent years, but this year, there are plenty of teams who could challenge them.
Group A: TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Yanga SC (Tanzania), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria)
TP Mazembe, with their storied CAF Champions League history, is expected to lead this group, but Yanga SC and Al Hilal will be challenging opponents, particularly in East African and North African fixtures. MC Alger can be dangerous at home, making this group highly competitive. Mazembe and Al Hilal seem likely favourites to progress, but Yanga’s recent domestic success suggests they might challenge for a knockout spot.
Group B: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Raja Casablanca (Morocco), AS FAR (Morocco), AS Maniema Union (DR Congo)
Sundowns and Raja Casablanca are heavy favourites, given their CAF experience and squad depth. Sundowns boast a dynamic, attacking style and Raja will be tough to beat in Morocco. AS FAR has the potential to upset, especially at home, and Maniema Union will look to capitalize on any slip-ups by the top teams. Expect a close battle between Sundowns and Raja for the top spot, with AS FAR as an outside threat. Sundowns have dominated South African football in recent years and are 1.04 to win the South African Premiership, but they last won the CAF Champions League in 2016.
Group C: Al Ahly (Egypt), CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Stade d’Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Al Ahly, the defending champions, are the group’s favourites, while Orlando Pirates have shown consistent improvement and could advance if they handle away matches well. Pirates are fighting against Sundowns in the South African Premiership title race with odds of 12.79. CR Belouizdad has proven to be a tough competitor, particularly in Algeria. Stade d’Abidjan, with its unpredictable play, may struggle against the more experienced teams but could pull off an upset or two at home. Al Ahly and Pirates are the most likely to progress.
Group D: Espérance (Tunisia), Pyramids (Egypt), Sagrada Esperança (Angola), Djoliba (Mali)
Espérance and Pyramids are the likely contenders, with Espérance’s CAF experience making them favourites. Pyramids, financially backed and ambitious, will push hard to claim the top spot. Sagrada Esperança and Djoliba have potential but are likely to struggle against the two powerhouse clubs, particularly in away fixtures. Espérance and Pyramids are expected to emerge from this group.
Overall Takeaways
Favourites: TP Mazembe, Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Espérance lead their groups on paper.
Contenders: Al Hilal, Raja Casablanca, Orlando Pirates, and Pyramids are all capable of advancing if they capitalize on their home games and secure points away.
Potential Spoilers: Yanga SC and AS FAR could surprise with a strong showing in certain fixtures.
Each group promises fierce competition and the potential for upsets, especially given the role of home advantage in CAF competitions.
