# CAF Champions League group stage participants finalized

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zamalek-sc-caf-champions-league-campaign
> Updated: 2026-10-26T05:35:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 4.

The field for the CAF Champions League group stage has been finalized, with Egyptian clubs Zamalek SC and Pyramids FC among the confirmed participants.

Following their successful qualifying rounds, both Egyptian sides secured first-leg advantages in October. Zamalek defeated Rwanda’s APR FC 1-0 in Kigali via a 90th-minute goal from Nasser Mansi, while Pyramids FC earned a 1-0 victory against South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu through a strike by Mahmoud Saber. 

With the qualifying phase complete, the official draw to determine group compositions is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, in Cairo. Other confirmed participants include Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Étoile du Sahel, RS Berkane, Maghreb Fes, Young Africans, Petro de Luanda, Wiliet, Orlando Pirates, MC Alger, and Horoya AC.

## Claims

- Zamalek won the first leg against Rwanda's APR FC 1-0 in Kigali. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A draw in the second leg is sufficient for Zamalek to qualify for the group stage. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The second leg matches are scheduled to take place at Cairo International Stadium. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Pyramids won the first leg against South Sudan's Al-Merreikh Bentiu 1-0. (single source)
- Nasser Mansi is suspended for the second leg match. (single source)
- Mahmoud Bentayg is out due to a hamstring injury. (single source)
- Mohamed El Sayed is sidelined with a foot fracture. (single source)
- Pyramids won its first continental title in 2025. (single source)
- FUS Rabat defeated ASEC Mimosas 2-1 in the second leg of the CAF Champions League qualifying round. (single source)
- FUS Rabat progressed with a 3-2 aggregate score. (single source)
- Khaled Baba scored the winning goal for FUS Rabat in the seventh minute of stoppage time. (single source)
- Al Hilal advanced to the group stage after a 4-0 aggregate win over Sidama Buna. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Al Ahly advances to CAF Confederation Cup group stage

Al Ahly defeated Kitara 4-0 to advance to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, while Zamalek and Pyramids prepare for the CAF Champions League draw.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/al-ahly-advances-to-caf-confederation-cup-group-stage

### 2026-10-23: CAF Champions League: Several clubs secure group stage spots

Zamalek, Pyramids, Espérance, and RS Berkane have secured their places in the CAF Champions League group stage following successful preliminary round matches.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamalek-and-pyramids-seek-caf-champions-league-group-stage-qualification

### 2026-10-15: African Champions League: Zamalek and Pyramids secure first-leg wins

Egyptian sides Zamalek and Pyramids FC won their CAF Champions League openers 1-0, while Azam FC drew 1-1 with ZED FC in the Confederation Cup.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamalek-sc-prepares-for-caf-champions-league-clash-against-apr-fc-in-rwanda

### 2026-10-13: Zamalek SC prepares for CAF Champions League clash against Armée de Rwanda

Zamalek SC prepares to face Rwanda's Armée de Rwanda in the CAF Champions League, amid injury concerns for Mahmoud Bentayg and scrutiny over coach Moataz Gamal's recent performance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamalek-sc-prepares-for-caf-champions-league-clash-against-arme-de-rwanda

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Cite as: CAF Champions League group stage participants finalized. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zamalek-sc-caf-champions-league-campaign