TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Preliminary Round Draw Delivers Mouthwatering Clashes
The road to continental glory in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 has officially begun following the Preliminary Round draw held at Azam Media Studios in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Saturday.
A total of 58 clubs from across Africa will compete in this year's edition, with several blockbuster fixtures already lined up in the opening rounds.
Six of the continent's top-ranked clubs – Wydad AC (Morocco), USM Alger (Algeria), CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Zamalek SC (Egypt), Al Masry SC (Egypt), and Stellenbosch FC (South Africa) – have been handed byes into the Second Preliminary Round based on CAF Club Rankings.
In one of the standout ties, Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko will face fellow West Africans Kwara United of Nigeria, with the winners taking on Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC in the next round.
Senegal's Génération Foot meet Côte d'Ivoire's Amadou Diallo FC, with the winners set for a showdown against former CAF Confederation Cup champions USM Alger.
Another intriguing clash sees Hafia FC of Guinea battle Algeria's CR Belouizdad, while Burkina Faso's USFA host Nigeria's Abia Warriors, with Mali's Djoliba AC awaiting in the Second Preliminary Round.
Elsewhere, Tanzania's Azam FC will have to navigate past Zanzibar's KMKM SC and South Sudan's El Merriekh Bentiu for a place in the next stage, while Uganda's NEC FC take on Sudan's Al Ahli Madani, with Tunisia's Étoile Sportive du Sahel awaiting the winners.
Zambia's Zesco United lock horns with Malawi's Mighty Wanderers for a potential tie against Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy, while DR Congo's second representative will meet Angola's Kabuscrop de Palanca for a spot against South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs.
The draw has also thrown up regional derbies, debut appearances for ambitious newcomers, and the prospect of titanic North African clashes in the latter stages.
The journey to glory will begin with the Preliminary Round, played over two legs on the weekends of 19–21 September and 26–28 September 2025. Victors will advance to the Second Preliminary Round on 17–19 October, with the return legs a week later from 24–26 October.
The successful sides will earn their place in the Group Stage, which kicks off on 21 November 2025.
From there, the best of the best will battle through to the knockout stage, starting on 13 March 2026, with the dream of lifting African football's most coveted club trophies.
Click HERE for the full list of fixtures.
For more information about the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, please visit www.cafonline.com.
-ENDS-
Further Inquiries: communications@cafonline.com
CAF | Communication Department
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
5 hours ago
- CAF
Abdul Raouf: Sudan's silent assassin lighting up TotalEnergies CHAN 2024
When the sun sets over Zanzibar and the night air fills with the sounds of vuvuzelas, one name keeps echoing through the stands — Abdul Razzaq Yaqoub, better known as Abdul Raouf . In a tournament where underdogs are rewriting scripts and giants are falling, the 32-year-old winger has emerged as the beating heart of Sudan's CHAN 2024 journey. Two matches, two Man of the Match awards, and performances that have turned the Falcons of Jediane from hopeful participants into genuine contenders — Abdul Raouf's rise is no fluke. His story is a testament to resilience, technical brilliance, and a relentless belief that Sudan can do more than just show up. From Al-Hilal Spark to National Icon Abdul Raouf's footballing journey has long been rooted in Sudanese soil. A star for Al-Hilal Club of Sudan, his reputation for intelligent playmaking, visionary passing, and ice-cold composure in the final third made him indispensable to both his club and fans. His move in January 2020 from Al-Hilal Al-Tablidi to Al-Hilal Sudan proved decisive. Within months, he had cemented his place as a key figure, catching the eye of then-national coach Hubert Velud. From his debut, he showcased an ability to handle the intensity of international football, quickly becoming a trusted name in Sudan's attacking plans. Shining on CHAN's Grand Stage CHAN 2024 has been Abdul Raouf's theatre, and he's owned the spotlight. In the opener against Congo, he orchestrated the midfield, threading passes with surgical precision and leading the attack to a hard-earned 1-1 draw. Then came Nigeria — a night that will live in Sudanese football folklore. Against a team of giants, Abdul Raouf was untouchable. With two goals and a performance dripping with confidence, he inspired a 4-0 demolition that stunned the continent. It was his second straight Man of the Match award, a rare feat at this level. The Craftsman at Work What makes Abdul Raouf special is not just his ability to score, but how he builds football. His tactical awareness allows him to glide between the lines, exploit pockets of space, and turn a simple reception into a lethal attack. His quick decision-making and thunderous long-range strikes make him a nightmare for defenders. In the Nigeria game, his blend of artistry and aggression was on full display. 'We are here to compete for the title, not just to participate,' he declared — a bold message that matched the dominance on the pitch. The Appiah Connection Sudan's surge under Ghanaian coach Appiah Kwasi has been anchored by Abdul Raouf's brilliance. Entrusted with leading the attacking midfield, he's been the pivot through which the Falcons shift from defence to attack. Every touch, every pass, every feint seems calculated to destabilise opponents. His influence against Congo and Nigeria didn't just create goals — it gave Sudan a rhythm, a belief that they could dictate games against elite opposition. With Sudan sitting atop Group D with four points, his leadership could yet prove decisive in their final showdown with Senegal. Eyes on the Prize For Abdul Raouf, CHAN 2024 is more than a tournament — it's an opportunity to etch his name alongside Africa's greats. His ambition is clear: help Sudan advance deep into the competition while lifting the spirits of his nation. His vision is to 'focus on teamwork, turn every attack into a scoring opportunity, and contribute to strengthening Sudan's position in the competition.' It's a mission that aligns perfectly with Sudan's resurgence in African football. A Star with a Message As the Falcons of Jediane prepare for their next battle, Abdul Raouf remains their talisman — the man who can turn a game with one touch. His performances at the Aman Stadium have been more than just football; they've been a declaration that Sudan is here to challenge for honours. And his message to the continent is loud and clear: 'We are here to compete for the title, not just to participate.' With that mindset, and with Abdul Raouf in the form of his life, who's to say Sudan's CHAN 2024 dream won't end with silverware?
CAF
9 hours ago
- CAF
Mauritania hold off Burkina to reach seven points in CHAN Group B
Mauritania edged a bruising, high-stakes CHAN Group B tie 1-0 against 10-man Burkina Faso in Dar es Salaam, Alassane Diop's first-half penalty enough to settle a contest shaped by a VAR red card and frantic late defending. El Mami Tetah won the decisive spot-kick deep into first-half stoppage time after Kalifa Nikièma tangled with the winger in the area; following a review, Moroccan referee Jelly Chavane pointed to the spot and Diop drove low into the left corner. It crowned a chaotic end to the half that had already seen Abdoulaye Touré dismissed for violent conduct, upgraded to red after another VAR check. The result follows Madagascar's 2-0 win over Central African Republic earlier in the day and lifts Mauritania to seven points from four matches, second behind hosts Tanzania. Burkina Faso remain on three points and, with only one game to play, can no longer catch the top two; their CHAN campaign is effectively over given the standings after Wednesday's action. A half that turned on discipline and video reviews With both sides told this was 'must-win' territory in the pre-match build-up, the opening exchanges were predictably combative. Burkina Faso threatened in a flurry on 14 minutes: Issouf Kaboré and Abdoul Abass Guiro saw efforts blocked before Ousmane Siry's drive was clawed away by Abderrahmane Sarr; Papus Ouattara twice headed off target soon after. Mauritania steadied and carried a growing set-piece threat. Patrick Malo was cautioned for a heavy challenge on Tetah before tempers boiled over: Touré's off-the-ball offence on Moulaye Al Khalil initially drew yellow, then red after review. The Stallions' discipline unravelled again in added time. Issouf Kaboré fouled Tetah on halfway, Nikièma then felled the winger in the box and, after a lengthy VAR check (45+6), Diop did the rest from 12 yards. Stallions rally with 10 men – and hit the post Credit to Issa Balbon's side: a man down, they came out swinging. Patrick Malo forced Sarr into a save from range seconds after the restart and Ladji Brahima Sanou twice kept Burkina in it, tipping over Tetah's angled effort and then getting down smartly to the same player's skidding drive . Mauritania, switched on to manage the game, shuffled the pack: El Mami Tetah made way for Mohamed El Kheir Faraji late on after a busy night of winning free-kicks and shots on target, while Hamady N'Diaye and Moctar El Hacen arrived to shore up midfield legs. Still the danger flickered. Abdoul Baguian met a Mohamed Guira cross with a thumping header that struck the right post, before substitute Papus Ouattara was denied by Sarr at point-blank range . In a frantic finale, Sarr clutched an Abdoul Abass Guiro header low to his right and a swerving long-ranger from Moctar El Hacen drew a flying save from Sanou at the other end. Streetwise Mauritania control the details This was not a night for flowing football. It was a night for timing blocks, buying fouls and concentration at set plays. Nouh El Abd and Soukrana Mheimid defended their box stoutly; Abdallahi Mahmoud's energy knitted Mauritania's 4-1-4-1 together; and the centre-back pair dealt well with aerial traffic as Burkina loaded up late balls. Diop's caution (59) came amid a spiky spell, but Mauritania largely kept their heads while the Stallions' card count grew – Koutiama (62) and Diallo (66) shown yellows before Ouattara was booked in added time (89). What it means The victory moves Mauritania to second on seven points, behind perfect Tanzania on nine. With Madagascar up to four after beating CAR, the Barea are the only side who can still draw level with Mauritania on the final day – but Burkina Faso, marooned on three, can no longer reach the top two in a five-team group. For Artiz López Garai, whose team had scored just once in their first three matches, this was exactly the street-smart performance he demanded – and the moment that may yet carry the Mourabitounes into the last eight. For the Stallions, who struck woodwork and asked late questions despite a man disadvantage for more than 50 minutes, the damage was done by a rash moment and a call confirmed by the monitors.
CAF
17 hours ago
- CAF
When the underdogs roared: Five biggest shock results in CHAN history
The dust had barely settled in Zanzibar when the football world began to grasp the magnitude of what had just happened. Sudan — a side often regarded as outsiders on the continental stage — had dismantled Nigeria's locally-based Super Eagles 4–0, knocking them out of CHAN PAMOJA 2024 with a game to spare. In one night, they turned the script upside down, leaving pundits searching for explanations and fans replaying the goals in disbelief. It wasn't just the scoreline. It was the manner: disciplined defending, lethal finishing, and a collective unity that rendered Nigeria's pedigree meaningless. Abdel Raouf Yagoub's brace, combined with a Leonard Ngenge own goal and Walieldin Khdir's emphatic penalty, told the story on paper. But the real tale was one of precision, patience, and an underdog refusing to be intimidated. This seismic result will go down as one of the competition's biggest shocks — but it is far from the only one. Since its inception in 2009, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has specialised in rewriting football's pecking order. With squads made up exclusively of players active in their domestic leagues, the tournament offers the perfect breeding ground for surprise results and unforgettable moments. From finals routs to group-stage ambushes, the underdogs have risen time and again. And just as Sudan's latest victory has carved its place in CHAN folklore, here are five of the most remarkable upsets in the tournament's history. Morocco 4–0 Nigeria – 2018 Final Nigeria came into the 2018 CHAN final in Casablanca with hope, belief, and a solid run of form. Morocco, the host nation, were favourites — but few expected the Atlas Lions to dismantle the Super Eagles with such authority. In a rain-lashed stadium, Morocco's relentless attack tore through Nigeria's defence. Every Moroccan surge forward felt like it could result in a goal, and it often did. The final whistle confirmed a record-breaking 4–0 victory — the largest margin ever seen in a CHAN final — and left Nigeria humbled on one of the biggest nights of their domestic-based football history. Morocco 4–0 Cameroon (Hosts) – 2020 Semi-final Facing a host nation in any tournament is rarely easy. Facing Cameroon in Limbe, with the home crowd roaring, is even harder. Yet Morocco turned what could have been a tense semi-final into another statement performance. The Atlas Lions silenced the Indomitable Lions with pace, accuracy, and a clinical edge that left the stands stunned. By the final whistle, it was another 4–0 scoreline in Morocco's favour — their second such demolition of a major side in CHAN history — and a ticket booked to yet another final. Senegal 3–0 DR Congo – 2022 Group Stage Two-time champions DR Congo arrived at CHAN 2022 as one of the favourites. Their history, depth, and experience made them formidable — but debutants Senegal didn't care for the script. The Teranga Lions, in their first CHAN appearance, played with a fearlessness that DR Congo could not match. From the first whistle to the last, Senegal controlled the pace, carved open the defence, and finished clinically. The 3–0 scoreline wasn't just a win; it was an announcement that Senegal had arrived as a serious force in African domestic football. Sudan 0–3 Madagascar – 2022 Group Stage Madagascar's CHAN debut was a fairy-tale introduction to the tournament. Facing a more experienced Sudan side, the islanders showcased the same spirited energy that had captured hearts at AFCON. Lightning-fast counter-attacks and relentless pressing unsettled Sudan from the outset. The final 3–0 score reflected not just tactical discipline but also the sheer joy and hunger of a team determined to prove they belonged on this stage. Sudan 4–0 Nigeria – 2024 Group Stage And then came Zanzibar, August 2024. Sudan, coached by Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, produced a performance that will live in CHAN history. From the moment Ngenge's unfortunate own goal broke the deadlock, the Falcons of Jediane grew in confidence. 'CHAN has been one of the best experiences. I don't regret volunteering because it has improved my communication skills, expanded my network, and, in sha Allah, may bring better opportunities.' Yagoub's double either side of half-time, combined with Khdir's penalty, left Nigeria shell-shocked. For the Super Eagles, two matches, zero goals, and elimination was a harsh reality. For Sudan, it was a statement that they could not just compete with Africa's best — they could dominate them. The victory propelled Sudan to the top of Group D alongside holders Senegal, setting up a tantalising final group clash. More than that, it gave CHAN yet another chapter in its long tradition of upsets. From Morocco's ruthless finals to debutants dismantling champions, CHAN has proven one truth time and again: in this competition, reputation counts for nothing once the whistle blows. Every match offers an underdog a chance to write history. Sudan's 4–0 victory over Nigeria will be retold for years to come — and it now sits proudly alongside the greatest shocks the tournament has ever witnessed.
