As of September 23, 2024, the group stages for both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup are officially set, with all preliminary matches concluded. The anticipation is now focused on the official group stage draw, scheduled for October 7th.
CAF Champions League
In the premier African club competition, the Champions League, 16 teams will battle it out for continental glory. The confirmed teams so far are:
- Pot 1: Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
- Pot 2: CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Raja Club Athletic (Morocco), Young Africans (Tanzania), Pyramids FC (Egypt)
- Pot 3: Al Hilal (Sudan), Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Sagrada Esperança (Angola), FAR Rabat (Morocco)
- Pot 4: Djoliba (Egypt), MC Alger (Algeria), Maniema Union (DR Congo), Stade d’Abidjana (Ivory Coast)
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will be flying the flag for the nation, while record champions Al Ahly will be aiming to add to their impressive trophy haul.
CAF Confederation Cup
Meanwhile, in the Confederation Cup, 16 teams will also compete for the title. The confirmed teams at this stage are:
- Pot 1: USM Alger (Algeria), RS Berkane (Morocco), Zamalek (Egypt), Simba SC (Tanzania)
- Pot 2: Stade Malien (Mali), ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast), Al-Masry (Egypt), CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)
- Pot 3: Enyimba FC (Nigeria), ASC Jaraaf (Senegal), CS Constantine (Algeria), Bravos dos Maquis (Angola)
- Pot 4: Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), Lunda Sul (Angola), Orapa United (Botswana), Black Bulls (Mozambique)
South Africa has Stellenbosch FC still in contention after Sekhukhune FC bowed out of the competition.
CAF 2024-25 Key Dates
- October 7th: Official group stage draw for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup
The stage is set for another exciting season of African club football. Fans across the continent eagerly await the draw to see which teams will face off in the group stages. With a mix of established powerhouses and emerging challengers, the Champions League and Confederation Cup promise to deliver thrilling football action in the months to come.
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