For the first time since 2003, Al Ahly will miss the CAF Champions League group stage. Dropped into the Confederation Cup, the Egyptian club leaves a competition orphaned of its monuments, from Wydad to Raja via Sundowns.
The 2026-2027 edition of the CAF Champions League is about to write an unprecedented page. Al Ahly, record winner of the competition with 12 titles, will not take part in the group stage, according to Foot Africa. A first since 2003 for the Cairo club, which finished third in the Egyptian Premier League last season and has been dropped into the Confederation Cup.
Moroccan football is recording the simultaneous absence of Wydad Casablanca, Raja Casablanca and AS FAR, the outgoing finalists. South African holders Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated as early as the second preliminary round by Angola’s Wiliete SC, while in Nigeria, two-time continental champions Enyimba are also missing out, with the places going to Enugu Rangers and Rivers United.
Al Ahly, a historic absence
The club with 12 continental titles had not missed the appointment since 2003. Its third place in the Egyptian Premier League last season dropped it into the Confederation Cup, depriving the C1 of its most decorated club.
This absence adds to that of the Moroccans, which amounts to a historic simultaneous absence. Wydad, Raja and AS FAR, the outgoing finalists, are not in the group stage.
Sundowns and Enyimba fall too
Mamelodi Sundowns had been on a historic run of 11 consecutive group stage appearances, according to Foot Africa. The South African holders were eliminated as early as the second preliminary round by Angola’s Wiliete SC.
In Nigeria, Enyimba, two-time continental champions, are not among the qualifiers. The places went to Enugu Rangers and Rivers United.
The qualification system in question
Debate is growing around the CAF qualification system, which makes no allowance for the holders. Sundowns are paying the price, eliminated before even reaching the group stage.
The combined absence of these clubs sharply reduces the pools’ usual media exposure, according to Foot Africa. The group stage will bring together 16 teams after the conclusion of the second legs this weekend, CAF Online specifies. CAF will hold the group stage draw in Cairo in the coming weeks.