Eight clubs are set to receive a bye into the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, in a move that reflects their pedigree and standing within African club football.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to exempt Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Algeria’s USM Alger and CR Belouizdad, Morocco’s AS FAR and Raja Casablanca, DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union, Congo’s AS Otohô, and Tanzania’s Azam FC from the opening preliminary stage of the competition.
As a result, the eight sides will bypass the first round entirely and enter the tournament at the second preliminary phase, where the level of competition is expected to intensify. The decision is in line with CAF’s seeding structure, which aims to reward clubs with strong continental track records and recent performances.
Al Ahly headline the list, bringing with them a wealth of experience on the African stage, while former Confederation Cup contenders such as USM Alger and Raja Casablanca also add significant weight to the seeded group. AS FAR and CR Belouizdad, both regular participants in CAF competitions, further underline the competitive depth among the clubs receiving preferential entry.
Elsewhere, AS Maniema Union, AS Otohô, and Azam FC represent emerging forces within their respective regions, with the bye offering them an opportunity to prepare strategically for a deeper run in the tournament.
The CAF Confederation Cup, Africa’s secondary club competition, is expected to draw a wide field of teams from across the continent, with the preliminary rounds serving as a gateway to the lucrative group stage. For the eight exempted clubs, the focus will now shift to readiness and squad strengthening ahead of their entry point.
With the tournament structure gradually falling into place, anticipation is building for another fiercely contested edition, as clubs across Africa vie for continental glory.
