AS Real Bamako are back in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the third time in their history. Head coach Baye Ba believes they can claim one of the two quarter-final tickets despite the presence of holders USM Alger.
The draw for the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup has been made. Conducted in Cairo on Wednesday 28 October 2026, it placed AS Real Bamako in Group D alongside USM Alger, CS Sfaxien and Black Bulls, according to CAFonline.
In their third appearance in the competition after 2014 and 2022, as the Journal Essor recalls, AS Real Bamako have been handed a pool featuring the Algerian holders and the Tunisian club, three-time winners. The top two in each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, scheduled for February 2027.
A Group D featuring the holders
USM Alger, winners in 2023 and 2026, will defend their title, while CS Sfaxien, crowned in 2007, 2008 and 2013, also have several titles to their name. Black Bulls, a Mozambican club, are taking part in their first Confederation Cup group stage, according to the Journal Essor.
The Malian club, back at this level for the third time, therefore find themselves up against two Algerian and Tunisian sides and a Mozambican team. Matchday 1 is scheduled for the weekend of 27-29 November 2026, and the final matchday will be played in late January 2027, CAFonline reports.
Baye Ba states his ambitions
Head coach Baye Ba makes no secret of his intentions. “It’s football, it will be decided on the pitch, and it’s up to us to work hard to reach the level of the others,” he told the Journal Essor.
The coach nonetheless shows clear respect for his opponents. “Those two teams deserve respect, we respect them, and we will do everything to go after one of the two tickets for the quarter-finals,” he added.
The other groups
Group A brings together Al Ahly (Egypt), Raja Casablanca (Morocco), ASKO Kara (Togo) and Primeiro Agosto (Angola). In Group B, the Royal Armed Forces (Morocco) will meet Azam (Tanzania), Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya) and Durban City (South Africa).
Group C remains incomplete: one place is still to go to CR Belouizdad (Algeria), AS Douanes (Mauritania) or Hafia (Guinea). Maniema Union (DR Congo), Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) and Red Arrows (Zambia) are already confirmed in this pool.