The CAF Champions League 2026/27 draw has produced several fixtures that already deserve attention. The first preliminary rounds, scheduled for September, will see several of the continent's historic clubs face off before the main contenders enter the picture.
🇰🇪 Gor Mahia – Pyramids FC: the clash to watch
This is probably one of the most interesting matchups of this first round. Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will face Pyramids FC, which has become one of the most prominent clubs in Egyptian and continental football in recent seasons.
Pyramids will go in with a certain level of experience, but will need to be wary of a trip to Kenya that could make this clash far more balanced than it appears.
🇬🇭 Medeama – TP Mazembe: a heavyweight duel
Another fixture to watch: Medeama against TP Mazembe. The Ghanaian club will have to face one of the all-time giants of African football. Mazembe boasts considerable Champions League experience and knows exactly what these occasions demand.
The winner will face yet another major challenge in the second round, as they could meet Club Africain or Djoliba AC.
🇹🇳 Club Africain – Djoliba AC: a high-stakes two-legged tie
Club Africain will also need to be wary of Djoliba AC. The Tunisian club has a rich continental history, but the Malian representative is determined to make the most of their opportunity. A tie that promises to be particularly hard-fought across both legs.
🇿🇦 Orlando Pirates: beware the trap
Orlando Pirates will take on La Cure Waves, the representative from Mauritius. The South African club will go in as strong favourites, but the early rounds of the CAF Champions League have often thrown up surprises. The Buccaneers will need to take control of this two-legged tie quickly to avoid any slip-up.
🇨🇮 ASEC Mimosas – ASCK: a status to defend
ASEC Mimosas will face ASCK from Togo. The Ivorian club has solid continental experience and will look to assert their status. But ASCK will have the chance to produce one of the first upsets of this edition.
🇩🇿 JS Saoura – Horoya AC: a balanced duel
The clash between JS Saoura and Horoya AC also merits attention. Two sides well accustomed to African competition will meet in what promises to be a particularly tight duel. The winner will then need to clear another hurdle to reach the group stage.
🇸🇳 Senegal ready for battle
Teungueth FC, Senegal's first representative in the Champions League
Senegal will be represented in the Champions League by Teungueth FC, the national champions. The club from Rufisque will face FC Canchungo, champions of Guinea-Bissau. A matchup that looks manageable on paper, but one Teungueth will need to treat with the utmost seriousness to avoid an early exit.
Should they qualify, the Senegalese club will then face the winner of Colombe Sportive du Cameroun – Stade Malien.
Diambars, entering the CAF Confederation Cup
Senegal will also be represented in the CAF Confederation Cup with Diambars FC. The Académiciens from Saly have been drawn against a Tunisian opponent: Espérance Sportive de Zarzis. A significantly tougher proposition, one that will demand a strong opening showing if they are to continue their continental campaign.
The first leg is scheduled between 4 and 6 September, with the return fixture a week later.
A busy start to the African season
The first rounds of CAF interclub competitions will take place in September, ahead of the second round scheduled for October. For Senegal, all eyes will be on Teungueth FC in the Champions League and Diambars in the Confederation Cup.
Two clubs, two competitions, two different challenges — but with the same objective: to keep Senegal's continental adventure going for as long as possible.
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