This weekend marks a highly anticipated return of Africa’s premier club competitions, the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. With the group stage set to get underway across the continent, fans are brimming with excitement for an action-packed schedule featuring top clubs from every corner of Africa.
The CAF Champions League presents a star-studded line-up that includes Pyramids FC, the reigning champions, as well as the record 12-time title holders Al Ahly. Other notable contenders include the four-time champions Espérance de Tunis, South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, and Moroccan clubs RS Berkane and AS FAR. These teams are joined by ambitious challengers from various CAF regions, promising gripping encounters.
In the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, former champions Zamalek and USM Alger are set to capture attention with a roster that also features formidable teams like Wydad, CR Belouizdad, and Kaizer Chiefs, among others. New entrants such as Nairobi United will aim to make their mark, adding further intrigue to the competition.
Blockbuster Opening Matches
The opening night of matches promises immediate excitement as several clashes are set to unfold. Pyramids FC will host Rivers United in Cairo, a match that highlights both teams’ aspirations for success. RS Berkane will also take on Power Dynamos in a significant North-South face-off enriched with underlying narratives of rivalry and competition.
Reigning heavyweights will begin their quests for glory in this phase, with Al Ahly eager to secure their 13th title as they face JS Kabylie, while Espérance take on Stade Malien at home. Mamelodi Sundowns will look to assert their dominance against St Éloi Lupopo in what promises to be a challenging encounter.
Meanwhile, the Confederation Cup will showcase regional rivalries, particularly a thrilling Egyptian derby where Zamalek hosts ZESCO United, and Al Masry faces off against Kaizer Chiefs.
Emerging Talents and Debut Stories
There’s much to look forward to beyond the seasoned clubs. Fresh narratives are set to emerge as debutants like Nairobi United travel to face Wydad, while OC Safi visits Djoliba, and Maniema Union hosts Azam in an enticing East–Central Africa matchup. These encounters could see new talents shine, adding fresh chapters to the history of African club football.
Matchday 1 Fixtures
The opening fixtures promise to deliver high stakes and thrilling competition. Here are the matchups to watch:
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League
Friday, 21 November
- 13:00 — Al-Hilal Omdurman (SUD) vs. MC Alger (ALG)
Saturday, 22 November
- 13:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs. St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
- 13:00 — Young Africans (TAN) vs. AS FAR Rabat (MAR)
- 16:00 — Al Ahly (EGY) vs. JS Kabylie (ALG)
- 16:00 — Espérance Tunis (TUN) vs. Stade Malien (MLI)
- 19:00 — RS Berkane (MAR) vs. Power Dynamos (ZAM)
- 19:00 — Pyramids (EGY) vs. Rivers United (NGA)
Sunday, 23 November
- 13:00 — Simba (TAN) vs. Petro Atlético (ANG)
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup
Saturday, 22 November
- 19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs. Singida Black Stars (TAN)
Sunday, 23 November
- 13:00 — Maniema (DRC) vs. Azam (TAN)
- 13:00 — Stellenbosch (RSA) vs. AS Otoho (CON)
- 16:00 — Al Masry (EGY) vs. Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)
- 16:00 — Djoliba (MLI) vs. OC Safi (MAR)
- 19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs. San Pedro (CIV)
- 19:00 — Wydad (MAR) vs. Nairobi United (KEN)
- 19:00 — Zamalek (EGY) vs. ZESCO United (ZAM)
As teams prepare to battle it out for glory, the group phase will pause in January 2025 for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, adding a layer of significance to each match played in the upcoming weeks. Football fans across Africa are set for an electrifying kickoff to the season, promising thrilling moments and unforgettable matches. Stay tuned for insights and updates as the action unfolds!