Africa-Press – Lesotho. The 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup group stage gets underway this weekend, with African heavyweights Zamalek, Kaizer Chiefs, and Wydad Athletic Club all targeting flying starts as they open their respective campaigns.
Two-time champions Zamalek will be aiming to make a statement in Group D when they welcome Zambian contenders Zesco United to the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday night.
Backed by their passionate home crowd and boasting a squad rich in continental experience, Zamalek are favourites to secure a strong start as they push for another deep run in the competition.
In Group B, Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club are expected to assert their dominance when they host Kenyan debutants Nairobi United at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
Wydad, one of Africa’s most successful clubs, will be keen to avoid any surprises against a Nairobi side stepping into the group stage for the first time in its history.
South African powerhouse Kaizer Chiefs will also be in action, but their opening test comes on the road.
Amakhosi travel to Cairo for a tricky Group D clash against Al Masry, a team known for its physicality and stubborn defensive play.
Chiefs will look to snatch early away points to set the tone in what promises to be a tightly contested group.
The weekend’s action begins on Saturday with a Group C showdown between CR Belouizdad of Algeria and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Belouizdad will aim to capitalise on home advantage, while Singida look to upset the odds and begin their campaign with a valuable away result.
A packed Sunday schedule features seven matches, including another Tanzanian club, Azam FC, who travel to Kinshasa to face AS Maniema Union at the Stade des Martyrs in a Group B encounter.
Both sides will see this as a crucial fixture in their bid to progress from a competitive group.
In Group A, Algerian Cup holders USM Alger host Ivorian outfit FC San Pedro at the Stade du 5 Juillet, while Mali’s Djoliba AC prepare for a tough test against Moroccan visitors Olympic Club Safi at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.
Last season’s semifinalists Stellenbosch FC of South Africa will look to build on their impressive 2024/25 run when they entertain AS Otoho of Congo-Brazzaville at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Group C clash promises to be one of Sunday’s highlights as Stellenbosch continue their rise on the continental stage.
Full Fixtures
Saturday, November 22
21:00 – CR Belouizdad vs Singida Black Stars
Sunday, November 23
15:00 – AS Maniema Union vs Azam FC
15:00 – Stellenbosch FC vs AS Otoho
18:00 – Al Masry vs Kaizer Chiefs
18:00 – Djoliba vs Olympic Club Safi
21:00 – USM Alger vs FC San Pedro
21:00 – Wydad AC vs Nairobi United
21:00 – Zamalek vs Zesco United
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