CAF Confederation Cup: Kaizer Chiefs, Raja and USM Alger begin bid for group-stage places

The race for places in the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup group stage intensifies this weekend as clubs across Africa contest the second preliminary round, with a series of first-leg matches set to shape their continental ambitions.

The fixtures, scheduled from 16 to 18 October, will feature several established names, including South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic, Algeria’s USM Alger and CR Belouizdad, as well as Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli.

The second preliminary round is the final qualifying hurdle before the group stage, with the return legs scheduled for 23 to 25 October.

A total of 58 clubs are competing in this season’s Confederation Cup, Africa’s second-tier continental club competition, with the eventual champions set to receive a reported prize of US$4m.

Kaizer Chiefs face Red Arrows test

One of Saturday’s standout fixtures will see Kaizer Chiefs travel to Zambia to face Red Arrows FC, with the South African side seeking a positive first-leg result to strengthen their hopes of reaching the group stage.

Chiefs are among the continent’s most recognisable clubs, but continental success remains an important objective for the Soweto-based side as they look to make their mark in African competition.

Red Arrows, meanwhile, will aim to use home advantage to put themselves in a strong position before the return fixture.

Another notable Saturday encounter will see Raja Club Athletic travel to Nigeria to take on El-Kanemi Warriors at 18:00 GMT.

Raja, one of Morocco’s most decorated clubs and a former African champion, will be expected to navigate a challenging away assignment as they pursue a place in the group stage.

Algerian clubs will also be in action, with CS Sfaxien facing AFAD Plateau at 19:00 GMT and CR Belouizdad visiting AS Douanes at 20:00 GMT.

Rwandan side Rayon Sports will host Mozambique’s Associação Black Bulls, while Morocco’s AS FAR face CO Korhogo.

Al Ahly Tripoli open campaign on Friday

The action begins on Friday, with Welwalo Adigrat taking on Al Ahly Tripoli at 16:00 GMT.

Al Ahly Tripoli will look to establish an advantage in the first leg before returning home for the decisive encounter.

Later in the day, Egypt’s ZED FC host Tanzania’s Azam FC at 20:00 GMT in another meeting between sides hoping to advance to the group stage.

Saturday’s programme also includes Kitara FC against Ahly at 16:00 GMT, ES Zarzis versus AS Real Bamako at 17:30 GMT, and AS Douanes against CR Belouizdad.

Sunday brings further action, with Tusker FC hosting Singida Black Stars at 15:00 GMT and Durban City FC facing AS Port-Louis 2000 at 16:00 GMT.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, DC Virunga will meet Angola’s C.D. Primeiro de Agosto at 17:00 GMT.

The fixture will be played behind closed doors at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa following a CAF decision linked to the Ebola outbreak in the region.

Angolan side Kabuscorp S.C.P. will host AS Maniema Union at 18:00 GMT, while FC Diarra face ASKO Kara at 19:30 GMT.

The programme extends into Tuesday, 20 October, when The Panthers FC meet Algeria’s USM Alger at 22:00 GMT.

Group-stage draw to follow qualifying rounds

Once the qualifying rounds have been completed, CAF will conduct the official draw for the group stage, where the successful clubs will begin their pursuit of the title.

The group stage will run from 27 November 2026 to 24 January 2027, with six matchdays scheduled during that period.

The knockout phase is due to begin with the quarter-finals, scheduled between 26 February and 7 March 2027. The semi-finals will follow from 9 to 18 April.

The two-legged final is scheduled within a window running from 9 to 31 May 2027, when the competition’s next champions will be decided.

VAR to be introduced from group stage

In a significant development for African club football, CAF has announced plans to introduce Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) from the start of the group stages in both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

The move is intended to strengthen officiating standards and provide additional support to referees in key match situations.

The technology will be in place from the opening group-stage fixtures, rather than being introduced only in the later knockout rounds.

With established continental names and ambitious challengers competing for limited places, the second preliminary round is expected to provide a demanding test for teams hoping to progress.

The first-leg results will be crucial, but the return fixtures later in October will ultimately determine which clubs secure their places in the group stage and remain in contention for the 2026-27 title.