CAF Confederation Cup: Group C promises intriguing battle between Maniema Union, Singida Black Stars and Red Arrows

The 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup Group C draw has produced an intriguing contest featuring AS Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars, Zambia’s Red Arrows and CR Belouizdad of Algeria, who are listed in the draw CRB/ALC/ASDMTN/HFC (GUI), reflecting an unresolved qualification position.

The four sides will battle for places in the quarter-finals as they begin their group-stage campaigns in November.

Maniema Union target continental progress

AS Maniema Union will be aiming to make their presence felt after securing qualification for the group stage. The Congolese outfit face a demanding challenge against opponents from North, East and Southern Africa, with consistency likely to prove crucial across the six matchdays.

Their ability to compete against established continental sides will be tested as they seek to progress beyond the group stage.

Singida Black Stars eye strong campaign

Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars will also be looking to make an impression in Group C after reaching the competition’s main phase.

The club face a challenging schedule against opponents with experience in African football and will need to produce strong performances both at home and away to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.

Red Arrows and Algerian opposition add competition

Zambia’s Red Arrows complete the confirmed Group C lineup alongside the Algerian qualification slot shown in the draw graphic.

Red Arrows will hope to build on their domestic performances and compete for one of the two quarter-final places available to each group’s leading teams.

The Algerian representative, once confirmed, will add another important dimension to a group featuring clubs from four different footballing backgrounds.

Group-stage schedule confirmed

The opening round of fixtures in the competition will take place from 27 to 29 November.

Matchday two is scheduled for 4-6 December, before the teams return for the third round of matches from 18 to 20 December.

The group-stage campaign will resume in the new year, with matchday four scheduled for 8-10 January, followed by the fifth round from 15 to 17 January.

The final round of group-stage matches will be played from 22 to 24 January, when the teams will discover whether they have done enough to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.