The CAF Champions League group stage draw has produced its groups: Espérance de Tunis will face two Angolan clubs, Petro Atlético and Wiliete SC, while Club Africain meet Zamalek and MC Alger.
The two Tunisian representatives in the CAF Champions League now know their opponents. Espérance Sportive de Tunis, placed in Group A, will come up against Petro Atlético and Wiliete SC, two Angolan sides, as well as FC Nouadhibou, according to the draws reported by Webdo.tn and RFI. Club Africain, for their part, have been placed in Group B with Zamalek, Young Africans and MC Alger.
The contrast between the two Tunisian clubs is stark. EST were in Pot 1 alongside Berkane, Zamalek and Pyramids, while CA were placed in Pot 4, according to Webdo.tn. A status that is reflected in the make-up of the groups, but which the two-legged ties will have to confirm on the pitch.
EST face a double Angolan challenge
Group A brings together two clubs from the same country, Petro Atlético and Wiliete SC, as well as FC Nouadhibou. It is marked by a duel between the two Angolan clubs and the presence of the four-time African champions, Seneweb points out.
Wiliete SC caused a surprise by eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning champions, in the second preliminary round, RFI reports. The Angolan club now find themselves in Espérance’s group.
Espérance, four-time African champions, had eliminated the Libyan club Al-Swehly on penalties in the previous round, according to Webdo.tn.
Club Africain back in the group stage
For Club Africain, it is a return to the group stage. The second Tunisian club saw off TP Mazembe 2-1 on aggregate, according to Webdo.tn, and now find themselves up against Zamalek, Young Africans and MC Alger.
Drawn from Pot 4, CA will face in particular Zamalek, who were in Pot 1 with Espérance, as well as Young Africans and MC Alger.
The format provides for the top two from each group to reach the quarter-finals, Webdo.tn specifies.
The action gets under way in late November
The group stage is due to begin in November 2026, with the first matchday scheduled for 27-29 November 2026, according to Webdo.tn.
The reigning champions are not in this group stage: Mamelodi Sundowns, eliminated by Wiliete SC, will not defend their crown, as RFI notes.