Mamelodi Sundowns end Al Ahly’s reign in latest CAF club rankings

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released its latest club rankings ahead of the 2026/27 season, with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns emerging as the new number one club on the continent.

In a major shift in African football’s hierarchy, Sundowns have ended Al Ahly’s long-standing dominance at the top of the rankings following a series of impressive performances in continental competitions over recent seasons.

The Pretoria-based outfit accumulated 73 ranking points to secure first place, overtaking the Egyptian powerhouse, which has been regarded as Africa’s benchmark club for much of the past decade. Al Ahly now occupy second position with 66 points.

The rise of Mamelodi Sundowns reflects the club’s growing influence in African football. Backed by sustained investment, a strong squad and consistent performances in the CAF Champions League, the South African champions have established themselves as one of the continent’s most formidable teams.

Their elevation to the summit of the rankings is a significant achievement and further underlines their ambition to remain a dominant force both domestically and internationally.

Tunisian heavyweights Espérance Sportive de Tunis occupy third place with 58 points after maintaining their strong presence in CAF competitions. Moroccan side RS Berkane continue their rise by securing fourth position, while Algerian giants USM Alger complete the top five clubs on the continent.

The latest rankings highlight the increasing competitiveness of African club football, with teams from different regions challenging the traditional dominance of North African powerhouses.

For Nigeria, Rivers United remain the country’s highest-ranked club. The Port Harcourt-based side sit 24th on the continental list with 15 points, reflecting their recent appearances and performances in CAF inter-club competitions.

Former African champions Enyimba FC are ranked 45th with four points. Although Enyimba remain one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs historically, their current position illustrates the challenges Nigerian teams have faced in maintaining consistency on the continental stage in recent years.

Ghanaian clubs also earned recognition in the latest rankings. Dreams FC are the highest-ranked side from Ghana, occupying 32nd position. Their place on the list is largely a result of their remarkable run in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they exceeded expectations and enhanced the reputation of Ghanaian club football across the continent.

Meanwhile, Medeama SC are ranked 54th after their recent participation in CAF competitions. While the Tarkwa-based club remains one of Ghana’s leading representatives on the continental stage, the ranking highlights the work still required for Ghanaian clubs to compete consistently with Africa’s elite.

The latest CAF rankings are expected to play an important role in future seeding for continental competitions and offer a clear picture of the current balance of power in African club football.

With Mamelodi Sundowns now occupying the number one position, the rankings signal a new era at the top of the African game, while traditional giants such as Al Ahly, Espérance, RS Berkane and USM Alger will be determined to reclaim supremacy in the seasons ahead.