The second round of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group stages takes centre stage this weekend, giving clubs a final chance to strengthen their positions before both competitions pause for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Matchday 1 delivered drama across the board. Champions Pyramids and Moroccan giants RS Berkane made early statements with commanding three-goal wins to take charge of Group A in the Champions League, while record holders Al Ahly flexed their strength by putting four past JS Kabylie.
Petro Atlético were the only side to win away in the opening round, beating Simba in Dar es Salaam, and Espérance were held at home by a resilient Stade Malien, signalling a fiercely competitive Group D.
Champions League: Big tests across all groups
In Group A, Berkane visit Rivers United on Friday, with the hosts needing a response after their loss in Cairo. Pyramids travel to Zambia to face Power Dynamos on Saturday as they chase a second straight win.
Group B offers a heavyweight showdown: FAR Rabat host Al Ahly on Friday, while Young Africans — buoyed by their strong start — go away to face JS Kabylie the same evening.
Mamelodi Sundowns, entering their 11th consecutive group-stage campaign, travel to MC Alger on Friday in Group C, while Al Hilal head to DR Congo for a Sunday clash with St Éloi Lupopo.
Petro Atlético, leaders of Group D, welcome four-time champions Espérance in Saturday’s headline fixture. Simba, still searching for their first points, visit Stade Malien in Bamako on Sunday.
Confederation Cup: Tight contests across all groups
In the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, Group A leaders Olympique de Safi and USM Alger meet in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday, both coming off opening wins. Wydad Casablanca also travel to Tanzania to face Azam after their strong Matchday 1 performance.
Kenyan debutants Nairobi United will host Maniema Union on Sunday in their first-ever continental group-stage home match.
CR Belouizdad, impressive on Matchday 1, visit Otoho d’Oyo in Congo on Saturday, while Stellenbosch look to build on their late heroics when they take on Singida Black Stars in Tanzania on Sunday.
Group D remains tightly poised as Al Masry travel to Zambia to face ZESCO United on Friday following their win over Kaizer Chiefs. Zamalek then head to Johannesburg on Saturday to renew their continental rivalry with Chiefs.
Both continental competitions will break after this weekend’s matches and resume in January 2026, after the Africa Cup of Nations.
