When the final whistle blew on Matchday one of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage, three African powerhouses emerged with perfect records — and one underdog side stunned the continent with a gritty 1-0 win. The opening round, played between January 23 and 25, 2026, delivered more than just goals; it set the tone for what could be one of the most unpredictable group phases in recent memory. Al Ahly SC of Egypt, the tournament’s most decorated club, didn’t just win — they demolished JS Kabylie 4-1 in a display of clinical finishing that sent shockwaves through North Africa. Meanwhile, Young Africans SC of Tanzania pulled off the upset of the round, holding off Morocco’s Association Sportive des FAR 1-0 in front of a roaring home crowd in Dar es Salaam. And in South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns FC didn’t just win — they dismantled DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo 3-1, sending a clear message: they’re not here to play nice.
Group B: The Egyptian Titans and the Tanzanian Grit
Group B is already shaping up as a battle of giants and underdogs. Al Ahly SC leads with 3 points, a +3 goal difference, and a performance that looked like a masterclass. Their 4-1 win over JS Kabylie wasn’t just about goals — it was about control. Midfielder Mohamed Sherif, who scored twice, didn’t just dominate possession; he dictated the tempo from start to finish. JS Kabylie, once African champions themselves, looked disjointed. Their lone goal came from a penalty, and their defense collapsed under pressure in the final 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Young Africans’ win over FAR Rabat was a defensive masterpiece. Goalkeeper Salim Mwakasigara made four crucial saves, including a point-blank stop in the 87th minute that kept the clean sheet intact. It’s the kind of result that turns a team’s season around — especially for a club that hasn’t reached the knockout stage since 2018.
Group C: South Africa’s Powerhouse and Sudan’s Surprise
Over in Group C, Mamelodi Sundowns FC proved why they’re seeded in Pot 1. Their 3-1 win over Saint-Éloi Lupopo was never in doubt after the 12th minute, when Thembinkosi Lorch opened the scoring with a curling free-kick. But the real story was Al Hilal Club of Sudan. Yes, Sudan. The club, often overlooked in continental conversations, beat MC Alger 2-1 in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Al Hilal’s captain, Abdelrahman Omer, scored the winner in the 78th minute after a counterattack that lasted just 11 seconds. It’s the kind of result that could spark a continental renaissance for Sudanese football — a nation that hasn’t had a team reach the Champions League quarterfinals since 2004. MC Alger, meanwhile, looked lost. Their midfield was overrun, and their defense lacked cohesion. A team that reached the final in 2023 now sits at the bottom of the group with zero points.
Group D: Angola’s Quiet Dominance and Tunisia’s Draw
Group D is the most mysterious — and perhaps the most dangerous. Petro de Luanda of Angola stunned everyone by beating Espérance Sportive de Tunis 1-0 in a match that felt more like a chess game than a football match. The lone goal came from a 68th-minute header by striker Junior Kabananga, who had been largely invisible until then. Espérance, the 2018 champions, looked flat. Their star midfielder, Youssef Msakni, was held to a near-zero impact. And while Petro de Luanda leads with three points, Espérance still has one point from a 0-0 draw with another team — a result that, oddly, isn’t fully confirmed across sources. Some reports list the fourth team as AS Vita Club, others as Wydad AC. The confusion? It’s real. CAF’s official site hasn’t fully updated all group compositions. That’s a problem. Because in this tournament, every point matters.
Why This Matters — And What’s Next
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about rankings. It’s about momentum, confidence, and survival. In the CAF Champions League, the top two teams from each group advance. That’s it. No second chances. No replays. One bad result can end a season. And right now, teams like JS Kabylie and FAR Rabat are already on the edge. The next matchday — January 30 to February 1, 2026 — will be decisive. Al Ahly face Mamelodi Sundowns. Young Africans face Al Hilal. Petro de Luanda face Espérance again. These aren’t just games. They’re statement matches.
And here’s the twist: the seeding system — based on historical performance — is already being challenged. Al Hilal, seeded lower with just 18 points in the pot system, are now tied for first. Young Africans, once considered underdogs, are now group leaders. The old order is cracking. This isn’t just football. It’s evolution.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Story of the Group Stage
The CAF Champions League operates on a simple rule: three points for a win, one for a draw. Goal difference breaks ties. But the real story lies in the details. Al Ahly have scored four goals in one game — the most by any team this season. Young Africans have conceded zero. That’s not luck. That’s discipline. Mamelodi Sundowns have scored three goals without a single penalty — pure attacking football. Meanwhile, JS Kabylie’s four goals conceded? That’s their worst defensive record in a single match since 2019. And Petro de Luanda’s 1-0 win? It’s their first away win in the group stage since 2021. These aren’t just stats. They’re turning points.
What’s also clear? The gap between top-tier clubs and mid-tier teams is widening. But the underdogs are learning. They’re organized. They’re hungry. And they’re no longer afraid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the group standings affect qualification for the knockout stage?
The top two teams from each of the four groups advance directly to the knockout stage. With only six matchdays in the group phase, early wins are critical. Teams with zero points after Matchday one — like JS Kabylie and FAR Rabat — must win their next two games to have any realistic chance. A single loss in the next round could eliminate them, even if they win their final match.
Why are there conflicting reports about Group A and Group D teams?
CAF’s official website has yet to fully update all group compositions, leading to confusion. Some sources list Petro de Luanda in Group A, others in Group D. Similarly, teams like PYR and RUFC appear in ESPN’s standings without clear identities. This is unusual — and risky. With knockout spots on the line, inaccurate reporting could mislead fans and even influence betting markets. CAF needs to fix this before Matchday two.
What’s the significance of Mamelodi Sundowns’ 3-1 win over Saint-Éloi Lupopo?
It’s not just about the scoreline. Saint-Éloi Lupopo were the only team from DR Congo to reach the group stage this season, and they were expected to be competitive. Sundowns’ win — their first in the group stage since 2022 — signals a return to dominance. It also sends a warning to other top clubs: Sundowns are fully fit, well-coached, and firing on all cylinders. They’re the only team to score three goals without a penalty this season.
Could Young Africans SC become the first Tanzanian team to reach the final?
It’s possible — but unlikely without major improvements. No Tanzanian team has reached the final since 1995, when Young Africans lost to Al Ahly. Their defense is solid, but their attack lacks firepower. They’ve scored just one goal in two group matches this season. To go far, they’ll need to score against stronger opponents like Al Hilal or Al Ahly. But if they keep clean sheets and get lucky in the final group match? Anything’s possible.
When is the next round of matches, and what’s at stake?
The next matchday runs from January 30 to February 1, 2026. The biggest clash? Al Ahly vs. Mamelodi Sundowns — a rematch of the 2023 final. A win for either side could effectively seal top spot in Group B. Meanwhile, Young Africans face Al Hilal — a potential trap game. A draw here could be disastrous. And Petro de Luanda vs. Espérance? That’s a must-win for both. One point could decide who advances.
How does the seeding system impact team performance this season?
Seeding placed Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns in Pot 1 based on historical points — 78 and 62, respectively. But seeding doesn’t guarantee results. Al Hilal, seeded lower with just 18 points, are now tied for first. MC Alger, seeded higher than Al Hilal, are winless. This shows that current form, squad depth, and coaching matter more than past glory. The old hierarchy is crumbling — and it’s making the tournament more exciting than ever.
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