Confederation Cup Draw Sparks Fireworks: Zamalek Plunged into a Fiery Group

Group Stage Draw Sparks a Stage full of Arab Clashes

On Monday, the draw for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. The group stage features 16 teams, split into four groups according to CAF’s seeding ahead of the draw. The ceremony also highlighted several Arab clubs and produced a draw full of drama and tantalising fixtures.

Arab clashes were a central theme. A pure Arab clash saw USM Alger of Algeria face Olympique Safi of Morocco in a fixture expected to be thrilling. Zamalek will meet Egyptian rivals Al Masry in Group D, echoing last season’s derby vibe. Zamalek, winners of the 2024 Confederation Cup, are among Africa’s most storied clubs, while Al Ahly have chased the continental prize but have not claimed it here.

The club’s history stretches back to 1911 under the name Nile Club, later Farouk, then Zamalek after the 1952 revolution, earning the nickname The White Knight. Over the years, the team have collected domestic titles and a handful of continental trophies, including five CAF Champions League titles, four CAF Super Cups, and the 2019 Confederation Cup.

The group stage will be played home and away, with the top two in each group advancing to the knockout rounds, where another draw will determine the quarterfinal pairings. Here are the results of the draw.

Group A features USM Alger, Djoliba, Olympique Safi, and San Pedro. Group B contains Wydad, Maniema Union, Azam FC, and Nairobi United. Group C brings Belouizdad, Stellenbosch, Autotho FC, and Singida. Group D pits Zamalek, Al Masry, Kaizer Chiefs, and Zesco United.

The CAF Confederation Cup is one of Africa’s premier club competitions, acting as the secondary showpiece after the Champions League. Since its inception in 2004, the competition has grown in organization, quality, and prestige, becoming a stage where mid-tier clubs can prove themselves continentally.

North African clubs have dominated the trophy historically, with Tunisian, Moroccan, and Egyptian sides lifting the title most often. The tournament has also featured memorable moments, with stars who later shone in European and Arab leagues. The competition continues to attract support, more prize money, and stronger club infrastructure, keeping Africa’s club football in the spotlight.

Today it is no longer a secondary option; it’s a competition that blends ambition with challenge and reflects Africa’s football diversity, where giants share the stage with underdogs writing inspirational stories. The stage is set for another chapter, and the Confederation Cup will continue to illuminate Africa’s football evolution on the world stage.

If the group phase were a movie, Zamalek would be the popcorn — crunchy, dramatic, and somehow stealing the show.

If football had a cheat code, it would be a slide rule: you think you’ve calculated the group, and the group has calculated you back.