Full List: 2025/26 CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw, Match Schedules

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Nigeria’s Rivers United face a daunting task in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League, following Monday’s group stage draw that placed them in a challenging Group A alongside Pyramids FC of Egypt, RS Berkane of Morocco, and Power Dynamos of Zambia.

The draw, conducted on November 3 at SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg, featured a star-studded lineup with seven former African champions, setting the stage for one of the most competitive editions in recent memory.

Rivers United in Fierce Group A Battle

Group A promises blockbuster encounters as defending champions Pyramids FC renew their rivalry with CAF Confederation Cup winners RS Berkane, following their recent CAF Super Cup clash where the Egyptian side claimed a narrow 1–0 victory.

Nigeria’s Rivers United, the nation’s sole representatives in the competition, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos round off what analysts have already dubbed the “group of death.”

Al Ahly Begin Quest for 13th Title

In Group B, record 12-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt begin their campaign for an unprecedented 13th African crown. The Cairo giants will face Tanzania’s Young Africans, Morocco’s AS FAR, and two-time winners JS Kabylie of Algeria — a group expected to produce some of the tournament’s most classic matchups.

Sundowns, Espérance Head Other Groups

Group C pits South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Africa’s most consistent performers, against Al Hilal of Sudan, MC Alger of Algeria, and St Éloi Lupopo of DR Congo — a pool rich in tradition and fiercely loyal supporters.

Meanwhile, Group D is led by four-time champions Espérance de Tunis, alongside Simba SC of Tanzania, Petro de Luanda of Angola, and Stade Malien of Mali. Analysts predict intense battles as all four clubs vie for qualification to the knockout rounds.

Tournament Schedule and Prize Money

The group stage kicks off November 21–23, 2025, with two matchdays to be played before the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. The tournament will pause during AFCON and resume from January 23–25, 2026, before the knockout stage begins on March 13, 2026.

According to CAF, the 2025/2026 Champions League winner will pocket $4 million, while the runner-up receives $2 million.

Full Group Stage Line-Up

Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Rivers United (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia)
Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria)
Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)
Group D: Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali)

Matchday Fixtures

• MD1: Nov. 21–23

• MD2: Nov. 28–30

• MD3: Jan. 23–25

• MD4: Jan. 30–Feb. 1

• MD5: Feb. 6–8

• MD6: Feb. 13–15

With the draw now complete, all eyes turn to Rivers United, who carry Nigeria’s hopes of reclaiming continental glory. The Port Harcourt-based club will need resilience, tactical discipline, and consistency to advance beyond one of the toughest groups in recent CAF Champions League history.