The 2019-2020 CAF Champions League group stage kicks off this weekend, promising a weekend full of high-stakes encounters across the continent. Several marquee matches are set to capture the attention of football fans, including TP Mazembe vs. Zamalek and Raja Casablanca vs. Espérance de Tunis.
The clash in Casablanca between Raja and two-time defending champions Espérance de Tunis is generating significant excitement. With the Mohammed V Stadium expected to be sold out, fans are eager to witness the Maghreb showdown between two of North Africa’s elite clubs. Meanwhile, the encounter between TP Mazembe and Zamalek in Lubumbashi carries immense historical weight, as the two sides collectively boast ten Champions League titles—five each.
In Radès, Tunisia, Étoile du Sahel will host Egyptian giants Al Ahly, a match that promises intensity as the Egyptians aim to reclaim continental dominance. Further south, Mamelodi Sundowns will face Petro de Luanda in Pretoria, adding another compelling fixture to the opening round of matches.
The full schedule for the opening matchdays is as follows:
Group A
- 30.11.2019 Lubumbashi: TP Mazembe (DR Congo) – Zamalek (Egypt)
- 30.11.2019 Luanda: Primeiro de Agosto (Angola) – Zesco United (Zambia)
Group B
- 29.11.2019 Radès: Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia) – Al Ahly (Egypt)
- 29.11.2019 Omdurman: Al Hilal (Sudan) – Platinum (Zimbabwe)
Group C
- 30.11.2019 Algiers: USM Alger (Algeria) – Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
- 30.11.2019 Pretoria: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – Petro de Luanda (Angola)
Group D
- 29.11.2019 Tizi Ouzou: JS Kabylie (Algeria) – AS Vita Club (DR Congo)
- 30.11.2019 Casablanca: Raja Casablanca (Morocco) – Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
With these opening fixtures, the Champions League is set to deliver thrilling contests and early indications of which clubs are serious contenders for the title. Fans across Africa will be closely watching as defending champions, historical powerhouses, and emerging teams all aim to make a strong start in this season’s competition.
