The 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup group stage bursts into life this weekend with African giants Zamalek, Wydad AC and Kaizer Chiefs headlining a packed Matchday 1, while USM Alger, CR Belouizdad, Djoliba and Stellenbosch all eye valuable opening points at home.
From Cairo to Casablanca, Polokwane to Algiers, the first round is shaped by hostile venues, unforgiving travel and the fine margins that so often decide qualification.
Zamalek, two-time winners of the competition, open Group D under the Cairo International Stadium lights against ZESCO United of Zambia.
The White Knights bring continental know-how and depth, intent on planting an early marker in a pool that also includes Kaizer Chiefs and Al Masry.
ZESCO’s power and set-piece threat make them awkward travellers, but the Egyptians’ big-game experience and home support tilt the balance their way on Matchday 1.
In Casablanca, Wydad AC begin Group B against Nairobi United, the Kenyan debutants who arrive with momentum and curiosity value.
Wydad’s pedigree at Stade Mohammed V—where intensity, pressing and quick wide combinations overwhelm visiting sides—sets up a stern baptism for the East Africans.
For the Moroccans, three points at home would steady a group that also features AS Maniema Union and Azam FC.
Chiefs, meanwhile, face an away-day reality check in Group D. Al Masry in Port Said are physical, compact and notoriously stubborn on their own patch—qualities that test any visitor’s patience.
“We have to change the narrative; it’s a new year, new growth. We go there and do what we can do best,” said senior defender Zitha Kwinika, acknowledging the unusual scenario of being outnumbered in the stands.
“We respect that we are not home… we know what to expect in terms of mentality, how to behave and how to take it as it comes.” If Amakhosi can pinch a point—or more—in Egypt, it will echo loudly through the group.
Saturday’s curtain-raiser comes in Algiers, where CR Belouizdad host Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars in Group C at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Belouizdad’s structure, tempo control and a streetwise front line make them strong favourites, but Singida’s compact block and counter-punch could turn this into a test of patience for the Algerians.
Sunday is a marathon. In Kinshasa, AS Maniema Union welcome Azam FC in Group B at the Stade des Martyrs, a fixture that already feels like a swing game in a section ruled by Wydad.
Maniema’s athletic full-backs and direct runners love the wide spaces in Kinshasa; Azam counter with the poise and creativity that have turned them into one of Tanzania’s most watchable sides. Whoever manages transitions better should take the edge.
Group A offers two compelling home openers. USM Alger host San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire at the 5 Juillet, a stadium where USMA traditionally blend aggression with control.
The Algerians’ spine—anchored by a confident goalkeeper and a midfield comfortable under pressure—must blunt San Pedro’s counter-threat to avoid a nervy finish. In Bamako, Djoliba AC receive Morocco’s OC Safi at Stade du 26 Mars.
The Malians’ intensity and second-ball dominance will be tested by Safi’s organised 4-3-3 and quick switches of play; whoever dictates the middle third should tilt the match.
Back in South Africa, Stellenbosch FC return to continental duty at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, hosting AS Otoho in Group C.
The Cape Winelands club were semi-finalists last season but have stuttered domestically amid travel fatigue and fixture congestion.
Coach Steve Barker welcomed the recent FIFA window: “The international break came at a really good time for us… an opportunity to refresh and regenerate the players, but also to work at improving areas—both with and without the ball.”
He added that a friendly versus Cape Town City and “good, intense sessions” kept the group sharp for Otoho’s visit.
With home venues in the Western Cape unavailable this weekend, Polokwane becomes a temporary fortress; a fast start would reinforce Stellies’ quarter-final ambitions.
The stakes are immediate: three points now can cushion the inevitable turbulence of away trips later.
Expect noise, needle and moments — set pieces in Cairo, counters in Kinshasa, and late drama in Polokwane. The road to the quarter-finals starts here.
Matchday 1 at a glance (All times in GMT)
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup
Saturday, 22 November
19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs Singida Black Stars (TAN)
Sunday, 23 November
13:00 — Maniema (DRC) vs Azam (TAN)
13:00 — Stellenbosch (RSA) vs AS Otoho (CON)
16:00 — Al Masry (EGY) vs Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)
16:00 — Djoliba (MLI) vs OC Safi (MAR)
19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs San Pedro (CIV)
19:00 — Wydad (MAR) vs Nairobi United (KEN)
19:00 — Zamalek (EGY) vs ZESCO United (ZAM)
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
