African giants set for high-stakes battles as CAF Champions League begins

The 2025–26 CAF Champions League opens on Friday with Al-Hilal hosting MC Alger in Omdurman, launching a group stage filled with heavyweight clashes across the continent.

Over the next three days, Africa’s leading clubs – including Al Ahly, Pyramids FC, Espérance de Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns – begin their latest bids for continental glory.

Al-Hilal’s meeting with MC Alger sets the tone for the opening weekend.

The Sudanese side, eager to impose themselves early, face an Algerian team determined to build consistency after recent uneven campaigns in Africa’s top club competition.

The match provides the first glimpse of how both teams intend to navigate one of the toughest editions in recent years.

One of the headline fixtures of the matchday comes in Cairo, where defending champions Pyramids FC start their title defence against Rivers United.

Pyramids, who lifted their first Champions League trophy after edging Mamelodi Sundowns 3–2 on aggregate last season, face opponents returning to the group stage for the first time in seven years.

Rivers United arrive buoyed by a strong qualifying campaign and will look to disrupt the champions’ momentum at the first opportunity.

Al Ahly, record holders with 12 titles, begin their pursuit of a 13th crown against JS Kabylie.

The Egyptian giants welcome the Algerian side, themselves twice winners of the competition, after Kabylie advanced with an emphatic victory over US Monastir in the previous round.

The match brings together two historic forces of African football, each hoping to set a decisive tone for the weeks ahead.

Espérance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns and Young Africans are also among the prominent clubs stepping into action, all facing opponents capable of springing early surprises.

With group-stage margins often slim, the opening weekend’s results could shape the complexion of the tournament long before the knockout rounds.

Matchday one fixtures (GMT):

Friday, 21 November
1:00 PM – Al-Hilal Omdurman vs MC Alger

Saturday, 22 November
1:00 PM – Mamelodi Sundowns vs St Eloi Lupopo
1:00 PM – Young Africans vs AS FAR Rabat
4:00 PM – Al Ahly vs JS Kabylie
4:00 PM – Espérance de Tunis vs Stade Malien
7:00 PM – RS Berkane vs Power Dynamos
7:00 PM – Pyramids FC vs Rivers United

Sunday, 23 November
1:00 PM – Simba SC vs Petro Atlético

As the competition resumes, the opening round promises intensity, ambition and marquee encounters worthy of Africa’s premier club tournament.