The group stage draw for the 2026–2027 CAF Confederation Cup has placed Egypt’s Al Ahly in a formidable group, headlined by a highly anticipated Arab clash against Morocco’s Raja CA as both sides begin their quest for continental glory.
The draw took place on Wednesday, October 28, at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo. Al Ahly secured their spot after comfortably easing past Uganda’s Kitara 6-1 on aggregate, becoming Egypt’s sole representative following ZED FC’s exit against Tanzania’s Azam FC.
Al Ahly headlines Group A alongside Raja CA, Togo’s ASKO Kara, and Angola’s CD Primeiro de Agosto—presenting the Red Devils with a stern test that combines facing a continental powerhouse with demanding trips to Togo and Angola.
The Al Ahly vs. Raja encounter comes with rich historical context: the Egyptian side lifted the Confederation Cup title in 2014, whereas Raja captured the trophy in 2018 and 2021. The two giants also famously met in the 2021 CAF Super Cup, where Al Ahly triumphed 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, ASKO Kara enters the group stage for the second time following their inaugural appearance in 2022–2023, whereas CD Primeiro de Agosto returns to this phase for the first time since 2009 after prevailing 3-1 on aggregate against AS Virunga of the DR Congo in the qualifiers.
In Group B, Morocco’s AS FAR collides with Libya’s Ahly Tripoli, alongside Azam FC of Tanzania and South Africa’s Durban City—who are making their historic first appearance in the group stage—as the Moroccan club targets a second crown to replicate their 2005 triumph.
Group C features Maniema Union of the DR Congo, Singida Black Stars of Tanzania, and Red Arrows of Zambia, alongside a fourth participant yet to be determined due to an ongoing dispute involving Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and the winner of the tie between Mauritania’s Douanes and Guinea’s Hafia FC, which delayed qualification.
Another major Arab showdown highlights Group D, pairing defending champions USM Alger of Algeria with three-time winners CS Sfxien of Tunisia. Mozambique’s Black Bulls and Mali’s Real Bamako complete the group, bringing together two of the tournament’s top contenders.
The group stage fixtures will kick off from November 27 to 29, concluding with Matchday 6 scheduled for January 22 to 24, 2027. Each team will play six home-and-away matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
