The 16 teams for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stages have been officially confirmed following the conclusion of Sunday’s second preliminary round fixtures.

South Africa will once again only have one participant in Africa’s premier club competition, with Orlando Pirates having successfully navigated the qualifiers while Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock exit before the group stages even got underway.

Last season it was the opposite way around, with Pirates exiting at the second preliminary stage of the competition.

Sundowns bowing out at the preliminary hurdle is a massive upset, especially considering the Brazilians entered the campaign as defending champions; however, their exit means a new champion will be declared this time around.

CAFCL group stage participants confirmed

After a thrilling weekend of preliminary action, here is the complete 16-team roster for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stages:

• South Africa: Orlando Pirates
• Egypt: Pyramids FC, Zamalek SC
• Tunisia: Espérance de Tunis, Club Africain
• Morocco: RS Berkane, MAS Fès
• Tanzania: Young Africans SC, Simba SC
• Angola: Petro de Luanda, Wiliete SC
• Algeria: MC Alger
• Sudan: Al-Hilal Omdurman
• Cameroon: Colombe Sportive
• Mauritania: FC Nouadhibou
• Guinea: Horoya

The qualified teams will learn their fate when the official group stage draw takes place next week on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

Featured image: Gallo Images/Daniel Hlongwane

Originally published by Soccermag.