Arab Clubs Dominate the Group Stage in the 2025-2026 African Champions League

The 2025-2026 edition of the African Champions League witnesses clear Arab dominance over the teams in the group stage, as a number of Arab clubs have successfully asserted their strong presence and qualified for this crucial phase of the continental tournament.

Royal Army of Morocco, Al Ahly of Egypt, Al Hilal of Sudan, Esperance of Tunisia, Kabylie Youth, and Mouloudia of Algeria have officially secured their spots among the elites, in a scene that confirms the continued Arab hegemony in the competitions of the African continent.

The Royal Army qualified after a significant victory over Guinea's Horoya Conakry with a score of 3-0 in Rabat, confirming its right to advance after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Meanwhile, Al Ahly, the record holder for the most continental titles (12 titles), continued its victorious journey by defeating Burundi's Eaglets with a total of 2-0, marking a new step toward claiming its thirteenth title in history.

On its part, Al Hilal of Sudan succeeded in overcoming the Kenyan Police with a total score of 4-1 in two matches that it decisively won, while Esperance of Tunisia secured its qualification after winning both legs against Burkina Faso's Rahimo, remaining the only representative of Tunisian football in the group stage, following the elimination of Monastir's Union.

From Algeria, Algerian football continued to shine with the duo of Kabylie Youth and Mouloudia, which confirmed their strong return to the continental forefront.

In a surprising turn of events, Congolese Saint Eloi Lupopo snatched a historic qualification to the group stage for the first time in its history after eliminating South Africa's Orlando Pirates on penalties (5-4).

The competition remains fierce for the remaining two spots, one of which is between Egypt's Pyramids and Ethiopia's Insurance after their first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, while the other is between Morocco's Renaissance Berkane and Libya's Ahly after their first leg also ended in a 1-1 draw, with the second leg awaiting resolution next week.

Thus far, 14 clubs have qualified for the group stage, including major teams: the Royal Army, Al Ahly, Al Hilal, Esperance, Sundowns, Kabylie Youth, Mouloudia, Petro Atletico, Rivers United, Saint Eloi Lupopo, Simba, Young Africans, Power Dynamos, and Mali Stadium.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will conduct the draw for the group stage on November 3 in Johannesburg, South Africa, amid widespread anticipation for potential fiery encounters among the continent's giants.

This season's edition is undoubtedly one of the most balanced in terms of strength and names, and the most Arab in terms of identity and ambition.