CAF Confederation Cup Playoff Draw Reveals Key Clashes, Including Al Ahly vs. Club Africain
The CAF Confederation Cup is entering a crucial phase following Tuesday’s draw for the second round of 16, which brings together the eight clubs eliminated from the CAF Champions League round of 16 and the eight winners from the CAF Confederation Cup’s previous round.
The standout fixture of this round sees Egyptian giants Al Ahly take on Club Africain of Tunisia in what promises to be a North African derby filled with tension and prestige. The Cairo-based side, now under the stewardship of newly reappointed coach Fathi Mabrouk, will face a Club Africain side currently topping the Tunisian league and eager to prove their strength on the continental stage.
Another high-profile encounter features Espérance de Tunis, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, drawn against Ghanaian side Hearts of Oak, a club steeped in history but seeking a return to its former glory on the continental scene.
Other intriguing ties include CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), the 2013 CAF Cup winners, against ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire. Sfaxien will be aiming to recover from their surprise Champions League exit at the hands of MC El Eulma. Meanwhile, Stade Malien, one of Mali’s top clubs, will battle the formidable AS Vita Club from DR Congo in what should be a tightly contested fixture.
Orlando Pirates of South Africa, the 1995 CAF Champions League winners, will travel to face AS Kaloum of Guinea, while Zamalek (Egypt) take on Sanga Balende of DR Congo in a fixture that sees the Cairo club clear favourites on paper but wary of potential upsets.
Rounding out the draw, AC Léopards from Congo Brazzaville will face Nigerian side Warri Wolves, while Raja Casablanca will lock horns with Tunisia’s Étoile du Sahel, adding yet another North African rivalry to the mix.
Full Draw – CAF Confederation Cup (Playoff Round)
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Al Ahly (Egypt) vs. Club Africain (Tunisia)
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Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) vs. Hearts of Oak (Ghana)
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AC Léopards (Congo) vs. Warri Wolves (Nigeria)
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CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) vs. ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast)
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Stade Malien (Mali) vs. AS Vita Club (DR Congo)
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AS Kaloum (Guinea) vs. Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
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Sanga Balende (DR Congo) vs. Zamalek (Egypt)
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Raja Casablanca (Morocco) vs. Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia)
Schedule
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First leg matches: Weekend of May 15
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Second leg matches: Weekend of May 22
The winners of these ties will proceed to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, where the battle for continental supremacy—and a coveted spot in African club football’s elite—truly begins.
