2026/27 CAF Champions League and Confed. Cup: Africa’s giants load up for battle as clubs unveil marquee signings

Africa’s biggest clubs are wasting no time preparing for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, with a wave of high-profile transfers reshaping squads ahead of another demanding continental campaign.

As clubs await the preliminary rounds draw that will determine the opening phase of the competitions, leading teams across the continent have moved aggressively in the market to strengthen key positions and boost their chances of success.

From record champions Al Ahly to Tanzanian giants Young Africans, South African powerhouses Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Angola’s Petro Atlético and Ghanaian champions Medeama SC, several clubs have already made statements of intent through major acquisitions.

The latest recruitment drive highlights the growing competition in African club football, where teams are investing heavily in proven quality and international experience.

Young Africans land Shalulile in statement signing

One of the biggest moves of the window has come from Tanzania, where Young Africans secured the services of Namibian striker Peter Shalulile from Mamelodi Sundowns.

The forward leaves South Africa after establishing himself as one of the most feared attackers in the Premier Soccer League, consistently delivering goals and becoming a key figure in Sundowns’ domestic dominance.

His arrival represents a major boost for Yanga, who are aiming to improve their performances in the CAF Champions League and compete with Africa’s elite clubs.

Beyond his goalscoring ability, Shalulile brings continental experience, intelligent movement and the mentality required for high-pressure matches.

The signing also sends a clear message that Young Africans are determined to build a squad capable of challenging deeper into Africa’s premier club competition.

Al Ahly reinforce attack with double capture

Al Ahly have responded to the growing competition by strengthening their attacking options with two major additions.

The Egyptian giants completed the signing of Moroccan striker Soufiane Benjdida from Maghreb de Fes after he finished as the Moroccan league’s top scorer. The deal is reportedly worth USD 2.5 million.

They later added Algerian international forward Mounsef Bakrar from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in a move valued at USD 3 million.

The pair arrive at a club accustomed to competing for trophies, with Al Ahly targeting another CAF Champions League triumph after years of dominance on the continent.

Their activity reflects the club’s ambition to maintain their position as Africa’s benchmark team.

Sundowns, Pirates and Petro strengthen squads

Mamelodi Sundowns, despite losing Shalulile, have also reinforced their squad with the signing of winger Antonio Van Wyk from Austrian club SV Ried.

The South African champions reportedly paid around USD 1 million for the attacker as they continue building a squad capable of competing across domestic and continental competitions.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have added attacking depth by bringing in Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen, hoping he can provide additional firepower in their pursuit of continental success.

In Angola, Petro Atlético have recruited former Leeds United and Valencia forward Hélder Costa. The experienced attacker brings European pedigree and is expected to add quality to Petro’s ambitions on the African stage.

North African clubs make major moves

Several North African teams have also been active ahead of the new season.

Tunisia’s Club Africain completed a significant domestic move by signing Tunisia international defender Yassine Meriah from rivals Espérance de Tunis.

The experienced centre-back is expected to provide leadership and defensive stability as Club Africain seeks a stronger continental campaign.

Following the departure of Benjdida to Al Ahly, Maghreb de Fes moved quickly to replace their top scorer by signing South African striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Libyan champions Swehly SC have also strengthened their defence with the addition of Tunisia defender Nader Ghandri from Russian side Akhmat Grozny.

Ghanaian talent Salim Adams earns Sudan move

East African and Ghanaian players have also featured prominently in the transfer activity.

Sudanese giants Al Merrikh secured Kenyan midfielder Enock Morrison from Gor Mahia after he was named Kenyan Premier League Player of the Season.

Their rivals Al Hilal followed with a major capture of their own, signing Ghanaian midfielder Salim Adams from Medeama SC.

Adams impressed with his performances in the Ghana Premier League and continental football, earning a move to one of Sudan’s biggest clubs.

Medeama, meanwhile, have strengthened their squad by signing Sudan national team goalkeeper Monged El Neel as they prepare for another challenge in African club competitions.

New signings face immediate continental test

With expectations rising across the continent, the new arrivals will quickly face pressure to justify their transfers.

In African club football, reputation alone rarely guarantees success. Players must immediately adapt as clubs fight through preliminary rounds, group stages and knockout battles.

The 2026/27 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup are expected to deliver another intense campaign, with Africa’s leading teams determined to strengthen their squads before the action begins.

The transfer window has already created excitement and raised expectations. The next challenge is for these new signings to transform ambition into performances when the continental stage returns.