The curtain has fallen on the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage, and for East Africa’s representatives, the campaign ends in disappointment.
Tanzania’s Azam and Singida Black Stars, alongside Kenya’s Nairobi United, have all bowed out at the first hurdle. Featuring in the group stage for the first time, the trio were unable to convert their historic qualification into progression, as the competition’s traditional powerhouses tightened their grip on the tournament.
While East Africa’s hopes faded, North African giants asserted their dominance, with Egyptian, Algerian and Moroccan clubs filling the majority of quarter-final slots.
Group A: USM Alger lead the charge
USM Alger underlined their pedigree with a composed and unbeaten campaign, collecting 14 points from four wins and two draws to finish top of Group A.
Hot on their heels were Olympique de Safi, who amassed 13 points and suffered just one defeat across six matches. The Moroccan side demonstrated resilience and efficiency, securing second place to move into the knockout rounds.
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Group B: Wydad AC power through
Moroccan heavyweights Wydad AC delivered one of the most commanding group-stage displays, storming to 15 points after winning five of their opening fixtures to seal top spot.
Behind them, DR Congo’s Maniema Union secured second place with 12 points.
Tanzania’s Azam FC and Kenya’s Nairobi United fell short, finishing third and fourth respectively, unable to break into the top two.
Group C: CR Belouizdad edge ahead
In Group C, CR Belouizdad navigated a tightly contested section to finish top, confirming their place in the quarter-finals.
They were joined by Congo’s Otoho d’Oyo, who claimed second spot after edging out Singida Black Stars and South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC in a competitive race for qualification.
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Group D: Egyptian authority on display
Group D delivered late drama, but it was Egypt’s traditional giants who ultimately prevailed.
Zamalek SC sealed first place with 11 points, capping their campaign with a decisive 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the final round.
Compatriots Al Masry SC followed closely with 10 points after overcoming Zesco United by the same 2-1 scoreline.
The final standings were razor-tight. Kaizer Chiefs also finished on 10 points but were eliminated on goal difference in one of the most finely balanced groups of the tournament.
North Africa sets the pace
With the quarter-final draw looming, the balance of power is unmistakable. Algeria, Morocco and Egypt have supplied the bulk of the remaining contenders, reinforcing their long-standing dominance in continental competitions.
For East Africa, the campaign offers lessons and experience gained at the highest level. For the North African quartet, the focus now shifts to the knockout rounds, where reputations will be tested and continental silverware comes into sharper view.
Confirmed quarter-finalists
USM Alger (Algeria) – Group A winners
Olympique de Safi (Morocco) – Group A runners-up
Wydad AC (Morocco) – Group B winners
Maniema Union (DR Congo) – Group B runners-up
CR Belouizdad (Algeria) – Group C winners
Otoho d’Oyo (Congo) – Group C runners-up
Zamalek SC (Egypt) – Group D winners
Al Masry SC (Egypt) – Group D runners-up
