Group Stage Fireworks: Arab Showdowns and African Power Plays Ignite CAF Champions League Kickoff
20 November 2025
Group-stage kickoff and Arab derbies
Group-stage action in the CAF Champions League opens for the 2025-2026 season with highly anticipated clashes and multiple Arab showdowns that set the tone for the early rounds.
The title holders, Pyramids FC of Egypt, arrive with momentum after lifting titles in the run-up to the group phase, adding the African Super Cup and a Tri‑Nation Cup to their trophy cabinet.
Fans will be treated to a slate of marquee fixtures in the opening round, including Group A ties where Pyramids meet Rivers United of Nigeria in Cairo’s Air Defense Stadium, and Renaissance Berkane of Morocco go up against Power Dynamos of Zambia.
Under Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic, Pyramids seek a strong start to their group-stage campaign, riding a recent run of form and a high‑powered attack, supported by a solid defense and a veteran goalkeeper.
Rivers United, led by a Nigerian coach, aim to challenge in Group A thanks to key attackers and captain leadership as they chase a group-stage victory on the continent.
Meanwhile, Renaissance Berkane, coached by a Tunisian tactician, look to begin with a win over Power Dynamos, while the Zambian side hope to cause an upset in their continental debut.
Showdowns in Group B and the race for early momentum
In Group B, the spotlight centers on the clash between Al Ahly of Egypt and Shabab Al-Kabylie of Algeria, a classic North African derby that tests prestige and form in the opening fixtures. At the same time, Al Hilal of Sudan hosts MC Alger in a fixture loaded with regional bragging rights and early points on the board.
Al Ahly, managed by a Danish coach, tee up a lineup packed with experience, though injuries to several forwards and midfielders could stretch depth as the tournament commences.
Shabab Al-Kabylie arrive determined to make a statement, with a German‑led tactical approach aimed at neutralizing the hosts and seizing the initiative in the early rounds.
Beyond the headline tie, the group features a mix of North African and sub-Saharan sides, creating a mosaic of styles as teams chase precious points and a foothold in the knockout stages.
In Group D, Esperance de Tunis lock horns with Stade Malien, while other fixtures across the group pool add to the mounting intrigue as the continent’s top clubs start their quest for the continent’s ultimate prize.
Punchlines to close: If football were cuisine, this group stage would come with a tasting menu of drama, spice, and a dash of stubborn crossbar hits. And remember, in Africa’s grand club stage, the only thing more unpredictable than the results is the coffee you’ll need to recover from the post‑match analysis.
