CAF Confederation Cup draw brings together established contenders and continental newcomers

The CAF Confederation Cup group-stage draw took place on Wednesday, bringing together clubs with long histories in the competition and others more familiar with African football through different routes. CS Sfaxien, Raja Casablanca, USM Alger, Al Ahly and AS FAR are among the best-known names in the field.

CS Sfaxien are one of the competition’s record participants, having appeared in the CAF Confederation Cup 11 times. The Tunisian club have lifted the trophy on three occasions, winning in 2007, 2008 and 2013.

Their success has often come during sustained periods of involvement in the tournament. CS Sfaxien completed a run of at least four consecutive appearances around their title-winning campaigns, underlining their long-standing association with the competition.

Raja Casablanca are also returning to a tournament they have won three times. The Moroccan side lifted the trophy in 2003 and 2018, while their most recent participation came in 2021, the year of their latest triumph according to the source.

With six appearances in total, Raja are back in what has become their familiar continental setting this season and are expected to be among the leading contenders for the title.

USM Alger enter the group stage as holders of the CAF Confederation Cup. Their 2026 triumph was their second in three years, giving the Algerian club a strong recent record in the competition.

Their qualification was also helped by the withdrawal of Panthers FC. Despite holding the trophy, USM Alger face a difficult challenge against several established continental clubs.

Some teams in the draw are not regular CAF Confederation Cup participants but have considerable experience elsewhere in African football. Al Ahly are the clearest example. The Egyptian club are the most successful side in the CAF Champions League, but a poor spell in the domestic league has forced them to settle for the continent’s second competition this season.

AS FAR also bring a strong continental pedigree. The Moroccan “military” club won the CAF Confederation Cup in 2005 and finished runners-up in 2006. Their previous campaigns mean they are another experienced side in a group stage that includes both familiar faces and less established participants.

Primeiro de Agosto are also listed among the clubs accustomed to the competition, alongside USM Alger, Raja Casablanca and CS Sfaxien.