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 0–1 Petro Atletico
RS Berkane 3–0 Power Dynamos
Pyramids 3–0 Rivers United
Al Ahly 4–1 JS Kabylie
Esperance 0–0 Stade Malien
Mamelodi Sundowns 3–1 St. Eloi Lupopo
Young Africans 1–0 FAR Rabat
Al Hilal Omdurman 2–1 MC Alge
Asanteni Sana Wananchi🔰🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/yCleicl9FK
— 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 3–0 victory over Nigeria’s 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 Zambia’s Power Dynamos—the side that eliminated Vipers in qualifying. Aaron Katebe’s opener, Mounir Chouiar’s crisp strike, and Paul Bassène’s composed penalty wrapped up a professional performance from the North Africans.
FULL TIME.
Defeat away.
Berkane RS 3️⃣ 🆚 0️⃣ 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
— Power Dynamos FC 🇿🇲 (@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 4–1 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 1–0 victory over Moroccan powerhouses FAR Rabat.
Prince Dube’s clever second-half effort was enough to separate the sides as Yanga showed strong tactical maturity in their return to the group stage.
تحية للجماهير العسكرية 🔥 💚🖤❤️🇹🇿#تحيا_و_تعيش pic.twitter.com/lBsHZEUbpa
— AS-FAR.COM Since 2001 . 🇲🇦 (@AsFaRabatcom) November 23, 2025
Group C: Sundowns shine, Al Hilal fight for points
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns opened their account with a 3–1 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 2–1 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! 🙌
Respect to Saint-Éloi Lupopo for joining us on our home turf, see you in Lubumbashi next year. 👊#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/mWNynsuHbS
— 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 1–0 to Angola’s 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.
