Group of Death Emerges as African Giants Set for Continental Fireworks
The draw for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup has produced mouth-watering fixtures, with Egyptian powerhouses Zamalek and Al Masry placed in the same group — setting the stage for one of African football’s fiercest derbies.
The draw took place on Monday at CAF’s Broadcast Partner SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, unveiling exciting battles across the continent. However, all eyes will be on Group D, which features Zamalek, Al Masry, Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa, and ZESCO United of Zambia — a group already being dubbed the “Group of Death.”
Zamalek, the 2023/24 champions, will be aiming to reclaim continental glory, while their Port Said rivals Al Masry will be eager to make their mark in the competition.
The full group stage draw is as follows:
GROUP A
- USM Alger (Algeria)
- Djoliba AC (Mali)
- OC Safi (Morocco)
- FC San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire)
GROUP B
- Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
- AS Maniema (DR Congo)
- Azam FC (Tanzania)
- Nairobi United (Kenya)
GROUP C
- CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
- Stellenbosch FC (South Africa)
- AS Otoho (Congo)
- Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)
GROUP D
- Zamalek (Egypt)
- Al Masry (Egypt)
- Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa)
- ZESCO United (Zambia)
The group stage kicks off between 21 and 23 November, with two rounds to be played before the AFCON 2025 break in Morocco. Action will resume in late January 2026.
Defending champions RS Berkane will not feature this season after missing out on qualification, despite winning their third title last term against Simba SC — equalling CS Sfaxien’s record as the most successful club in the competition’s history.
The prize money remains highly attractive, with USD 2 million for the winners and USD 1 million for the runners-up. Quarter-finalists are guaranteed at least USD 550,000, making every match vital.
From Cairo to Casablanca, and Johannesburg to Nairobi, the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup promises unforgettable rivalries, passionate fans, and the kind of football drama that defines Africa’s continental stage.
CAF Interclub Group Stage Match Days:
- MD1: 21–23 November
- MD2: 28–30 November
- MD3: 23–25 January
- MD4: 30 January–1 February
- MD5: 6–8 February
- MD6: 13–15 February
