The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the group stage draw for the 2025 CAF Champions League, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season of continental football. The draw, held at CAF headquarters in Cairo, brought together Africa’s elite clubs, all eyeing continental glory and a share of the competition’s lucrative prize purse.

 

Group Stage Draw

The 16 qualified teams have been divided into four groups:

• Group A: Al Ahly (Egypt), Simba SC (Tanzania), Rivers United (Nigeria), and JS Kabylie (Algeria).

• Group B: Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Pyramids FC (Egypt), AS FAR (Morocco), and St. Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo).

• Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), and Power Dynamos (Zambia).

• Group D: RS Berkane (Morocco), Young Africans (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), and Stade Malien (Mali).

 

Group A promises to deliver fireworks, with record 11-time champions Al Ahly facing a tricky challenge from Nigeria’s Rivers United and Tanzania’s Simba SC, both known for their passionate fan bases and fast-paced football. Meanwhile, Group C is being dubbed the “Group of Death,” as South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will face seasoned campaigners Al Hilal and MC Alger, alongside Zambian powerhouse Power Dynamos.

 

In Group D, Moroccan giants RS Berkane, recent winners of the CAF Confederation Cup, will test their mettle against Young Africans, Petro de Luanda, and Stade Malien, ensuring a balanced and unpredictable contest.

Beyond the competition itself, CAF has also announced a revised financial structure aimed at boosting club football development across the continent. According to the latest update:

• Before the preliminary round, all participating clubs received $50,000 from CAF.

• Clubs eliminated in the preliminary round will now receive an additional $50,000, doubling their compensation.

• Clubs that qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage are guaranteed $400,000.

• Clubs that reach the CAF Champions League group stage will receive $700,000 each.

 

The updated prize structure reflects CAF’s renewed commitment to strengthening financial sustainability for African clubs. By ensuring every participating team benefits from the competition, CAF hopes to ease operational costs and encourage long-term investments in player development and infrastructure.

 

Speaking at the unveiling, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe emphasized the governing body’s goal of “making African football globally competitive while ensuring our clubs and players can thrive financially.”

 

“African football isn’t just about glory alone,” Motsepe said. “It’s about investment, growth, and financial freedom for the clubs.”

 

The 2025 CAF Champions League group stage is set to kick off in November, with matches scheduled across the continent’s top footballing cities. Fans can expect intense rivalries, passionate atmospheres, and the emergence of new stars as Africa’s best clubs battle for continental supremacy and a path toward the FIFA Club World Cup.