By: Kemo Kanyi
The 2025/26 season of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League officially kicks off this Friday, marking the start of the Preliminary Rounds of Africa’s premier club football competition.
This edition sets a new record, with 62 clubs registered to participate, the highest number in the tournament’s history. The milestone reflects CAF’s continued efforts to expand access and raise the competitive standard of African club football.
In a major boost for participating teams, CAF has introduced a new financial support initiative: clubs eliminated in the first and second preliminary rounds will each receive USD 100,000 to help cover logistical costs. This move is aimed at easing financial burdens and encouraging wider participation from across the continent.
The first-leg matches of the Preliminary Round will take place from 19–21 September 2025, with second-leg fixtures scheduled for 26–28 September 2025. Winners will advance to the Second Preliminary Round, set for 17–19 October (first leg) and 24–26 October (second leg).
The highly anticipated Group Stage begins on 21 November 2025, and the competition will culminate in the knockout phase, starting 13 March 2026.
While several of Africa’s club giants won’t feature in the opening weekend, the draw held last month in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has produced several exciting early matchups.
Notably, RS Berkane, winners of last season’s CAF Confederation Cup and newly crowned Moroccan champions, will debut in this season’s Champions League with a clash against Togo’s ASC Kara.
Orlando Pirates, who reached the semi-finals last season, will face a tricky opening test against Lesotho’s Lioli FC, while Zambia’s Power Dynamos are set for a tough battle against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas.