The draw for the African Champions League group stage was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo. Zamalek and Pyramids, two prominent Egyptian clubs, are set to compete in the prestigious tournament. The event was attended by officials and representatives from participating teams, who are eager to learn about their opponents in the group stage.

Zamalek and Pyramids secured their spots in the group stage after overcoming their respective opponents in the second preliminary round. Zamalek defeated Rwandan club Army 2-0 on aggregate, while Pyramids thrashed South Sudanese club Al-Merrikh Bentiu 5-0 on aggregate. The two Egyptian clubs are looking to make a strong impression in the competition and advance to the knockout stages.

The group stage will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four teams each. The teams will compete against each other in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. The competition is expected to be fierce, with several top African clubs vying for the coveted title.

The African Football Confederation (CAF) has announced that the winner of the Champions League will receive a prize of $6 million. This significant reward has increased the stakes, and teams are expected to give their best to lift the trophy. The competition is set to begin in November, with fans eagerly anticipating the start of the group stage.

A total of 16 teams have qualified for the group stage, including Egyptian clubs Zamalek and Pyramids. Other notable teams include Sudanese club Al-Hilal, Tunisian clubs Esperance and African Club, and South African club Orlando Pirates. The teams will be competing for a spot in the quarterfinals and ultimately, the Champions League title.

The draw has generated significant interest among fans, who are eager to know the fixtures and opponents of their favorite teams. The competition is expected to be intense, with several teams having a strong chance of advancing to the knockout stages. The African Champions League is one of the most prestigious tournaments in African football, and teams are eager to make their mark.

Some notable teams that failed to advance to the group stage include South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, who were eliminated by Angolan club Wiliete. The group stage draw has set the stage for an exciting competition, with teams competing for the top prize in African club football.

Key points

  • The African Champions League group stage draw took place on Wednesday, with Egyptian clubs Zamalek and Pyramids participating.
  • The winner of the Champions League will receive a prize of $6 million.
  • A total of 16 teams have qualified for the group stage, including Egyptian clubs Zamalek and Pyramids.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.