CAF Confederation Cup: Al Ahly, USM Alger headline pots for group stage draw

Al Ahly, USM Alger and AS FAR are among the leading sides in Pot 1 ahead of the draw for the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, which is scheduled for 28 October.

The pots have been confirmed ahead of the draw, with 16 teams set to discover their opponents as they begin their quest for continental glory.

The four pots contain a mixture of established African clubs and emerging sides, setting the stage for potentially challenging group-stage encounters.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Algerian side USM Alger and Moroccan outfit AS FAR headline Pot 1, alongside the winner of the tie between CR Belouizdad and the winner of the Douanes-Hafia contest.

Pot 2 features Moroccan club Raja Club Athletic, DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union, Tanzania’s Azam FC and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Libyan side Al Ahli Tripoli, Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars, Mozambique’s Black Bulls and Mali’s Real Bamako make up Pot 3.

Togo’s AS Kara, South Africa’s Durban City, Zambia’s Red Arrows and Angola’s 1º de Agosto complete the list in Pot 4.

The composition of the pots offers the prospect of competitive groups, with teams from several of Africa’s leading football nations represented in the competition.

With the draw approaching, clubs will be looking to avoid difficult combinations of opponents while preparing for the demands of the group stage.

The Confederation Cup remains one of African club football’s major continental competitions, providing clubs with an opportunity to compete for silverware and establish themselves on the continental stage.

The draw on 28 October will determine the group-stage fixtures and give the participating teams a clearer picture of the challenges ahead as they pursue the trophy.