The 2025/26 CAF Champions League returned with an eventful opening round, as several African heavyweights announced their intentions with commanding displays across the continent.
Matchday 1 delivered a blend of convincing wins, gritty escapes and cagey stalemates:
Matchday 1
Simba 0โ1 Petro Atletico
RS Berkane 3โ0 Power Dynamos
Pyramids 3โ0 Rivers United
Al Ahly 4โ1 JS Kabylie
Esperance 0โ0 Stade Malien
Mamelodi Sundowns 3โ1 St. Eloi Lupopo
Young Africans 1โ0 FAR Rabat
Al Hilal Omdurman 2โ1 MC Alge
Asanteni Sana Wananchi๐ฐ๐๐ฝ pic.twitter.com/yCleicl9FK
โ Young Africans SC (@YoungAfricansSC) November 23, 2025
Group A: Pyramids and Berkane start with statements
Defending champions Pyramids FC wasted no time reminding the continent why they lifted the trophy last season.
In Cairo, they cruised to a 3โ0 victory over Nigeriaโs Rivers United, powered by a sensational hat trick from Ahmed Atef El Sayed, who dismantled the visitors almost single-handedly.
CAF Confederation cupholders RS Berkane matched that margin in Morocco, brushing aside Zambiaโs Power Dynamosโthe side that eliminated Vipers in qualifying. Aaron Katebeโs opener, Mounir Chouiarโs crisp strike, and Paul Bassรจneโs composed penalty wrapped up a professional performance from the North Africans.
FULL TIME.
Defeat away.
Berkane RS 3๏ธโฃ ๐ 0๏ธโฃ Power Dynamos FC #TotalEnergiesCAFCL .
For more information, news and updates, visit https://t.co/knjvGqHPJ2#Power #Pride #Prestige#AbaYellow #AbaBusaka #CAFCHAMPIONSLEAGUE pic.twitter.com/qyKp7yEKZP
โ Power Dynamos FC ๐ฟ๐ฒ (@PowerDynamosFC) November 22, 2025
Group B: Al Ahly dominate, Yanga impress at home
Egyptian giants Al Ahly kicked off their campaign in classic, ruthless fashion. A 4โ1 dismantling of JS Kabylie in Cairo featured a brace from Trezeguet, a tidy finish from Mohamed Sherif, and a late own goal that capped a lopsided encounter.
In Zanzibar, Young Africans delighted the home supporters with a disciplined 1โ0 victory over Moroccan powerhouses FAR Rabat.
Prince Dubeโs clever second-half effort was enough to separate the sides as Yanga showed strong tactical maturity in their return to the group stage.
ุชุญูุฉ ููุฌู ุงููุฑ ุงูุนุณูุฑูุฉ ๐ฅ ๐๐คโค๏ธ๐น๐ฟ#ุชุญูุง_ู_ุชุนูุด pic.twitter.com/lBsHZEUbpa
โ AS-FAR.COM Since 2001 . ๐ฒ๐ฆ (@AsFaRabatcom) November 23, 2025
Group C: Sundowns shine, Al Hilal fight for points
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns opened their account with a 3โ1 win over St. Eloi Lupopo of DR Congo. Veteran keeper Denis Onyango marshalled his backline well as Nuno Santos struck twice, with Marcello Allende adding the third to put the Brazilians in firm control.
In Kigali, Al Hilal Omdurman battled to a hard-earned 2โ1 triumph over MC Alger.
Abdelrazek Omar and Mohamed Abdelrahman, known widely as Al Gharbal, provided the decisive goals, and despite finishing with 10 men, the Sudanese side held on for a valuable away win.
Celebrating a strong victory yesterday! ๐
Respect to Saint-รloi Lupopo for joining us on our home turf, see you in Lubumbashi next year. ๐#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/mWNynsuHbS
โ Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 23, 2025
Elsewhere: Petro Atletico shock Simba, Esperance held at home
Tanzanian giants Simba SC suffered a disappointing home defeat, falling 1โ0 to Angolaโs Petro Atletico courtesy of a well-taken strike from Benny.
In Tunis, former African champions Esperance were unable to break down Stade Malien, settling for a frustrating goalless draw to open their campaign.
The competition resumes next weekend as match day two promises even more drama, tighter battles and early jostling for knockout-stage positioning.
