The draw for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League first preliminary round has produced a series of intriguing fixtures as clubs from across Africa begin their quest for continental glory.
Ghanaian champions Medeama SC have been paired with Congolese giants TP Mazembe in one of the standout ties of the opening round. The winner of the two-legged contest will progress to face either Tunisia’s Club Africain or Mali’s Djoliba AC in the second preliminary round.
Elsewhere, Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek SC will travel to face Djibouti’s AS Port, while reigning CAF Champions League finalists Pyramids FC have been drawn against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC in another eye-catching encounter.
Tanzanian powerhouse Young Africans SC will take on Botswana’s Gaborone United, with rivals Simba SC facing Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers. South Africa’s Orlando Pirates will begin their campaign against Mauritius’ La Cure Waves SC.
Other notable fixtures include MC Alger against Niger’s ASN Nigelec, ASEC Mimosas taking on Togo’s ASCK, Rivers United facing Côte d’Ivoire’s FC San Pedro, and Sudan’s Al Hilal meeting Burundi’s Aigle Noir FC.
The first-leg matches are scheduled to be played between 4 and 6 September, with the return legs set for 11 to 13 September. The winners will advance to the second preliminary round as the race for a place in the group stage gathers momentum.
With several former champions and emerging contenders entering the competition, the opening round promises to deliver high-quality football and fierce competition across the continent.
