CAF Confederation Cup: USM Alger and Al Ahly lead likely group-stage pots

Fifteen of the 16 teams through to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage have been confirmed, with the final place dependent on the outcome of the CR Belouizdad-AS Douanes/Hafia tie.

The group-stage draw is scheduled for Wednesday at 12:00 French, Algerian and Tunisian time. It will take place at 11:00 in Mali, Morocco and Togo, and at 13:00 in Kindu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The probable seeding pots for the draw have been released, with several prominent clubs expected to occupy the top section.

Al Ahly, USM Alger, AS FAR Rabat and the winner of CR Belouizdad-AS Douanes/Hafia are expected to be placed in pot one. Al Ahly are a historic force in the CAF Champions League and hold the competition record with 12 titles, while USM Alger are the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions.

The identity of the final pot-one team will not be settled until the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) delivers its verdict in the AS Douanes-Hafia case.

Raja Casablanca, Maniema Union, Azam FC and CS Sfaxien are expected to make up pot two.

Pot three is likely to include Al Ahli Tripoli, Singida Black Stars, Black Bulls and Real Bamako. ASKO Kara, Durban City, Red Arrows and CD Agosto are expected to complete pot four.

The 15 confirmed group-stage qualifiers are Al Ahly, Al Ahli Tripoli, AS FAR Rabat, ASKO Kara, Maniema Union, Black Bulls, Real Bamako, Azam FC, CD Agosto, CS Sfaxien, Durban City, Raja Casablanca, Red Arrows, Singida Black Stars and USM Alger.

One of CR Belouizdad and AS Douanes/Hafia will claim the remaining place once the disputed tie has been resolved.