Football fever is rising across Africa as the CAF TotalEnergies Champions League and Confederation Cup draws took place on Monday, igniting excitement for the upcoming season. The draw, broadcast live from SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, has set the stage for thrilling clashes and potential upsets.
Sundowns Lead the Charge
Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African champions, once again secured a top seeding, alongside Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Tunisia’s Esperance, and debutants Renaissance Berkane of Morocco. This highlights South Africa's strong presence in continental football, with Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs also competing in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Berkane's Remarkable Rise
Renaissance Berkane's inclusion as a top seed is a notable achievement. Despite never having played in the Champions League before, their consistent success in the Confederation Cup, including reaching three finals and winning two, earned them enough ranking points to secure a coveted Pot 1 spot. This demonstrates the importance of consistent performance across all CAF competitions.
Key Teams and Debutants
Defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt headline the second-seed group. The draw also features former African champions Mouloudia Alger, JS Kabylie, and FAR Rabat, adding to the competition's rich history. Several teams are making their group stage debut, including Saint-Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo), Power Dynamos (Zambia), Rivers United (Nigeria), and Stade Malien (Mali), promising fresh talent and exciting matchups.
- Pot 1: Al Ahly (EGY), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Esperance (Tunisia), Renaissance Berkane (MAR)
- Pot 2: Simba, Young Africans (both TAN), Pyramids (EGY, holders), Al Hilal (SUD)
African football icons Alexandre Song and Christopher Katongo served as draw assistants, adding star power to the event. Fans can follow the action on CAF's official digital platforms using #TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC.
The stage is set for an electrifying season of African club football. Will Mamelodi Sundowns continue their dominance, or will a new champion emerge? Keep following newsrpt.com for all the latest updates and analysis!