🏆 CAF Announces CAF Champions League Club Rankings Before Draw

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the official ranking levels of clubs participating in the CAF Champions League 2026-2027 season ahead of the preliminary round draw.

The announcement comes as part of CAF’s preparation for the draw process, where participating teams are divided into different levels based on their continental ranking and previous performances in African competitions.

The new edition of the CAF Champions League is expected to feature many of Africa’s biggest clubs, with strong competition between traditional giants and ambitious teams aiming for continental glory. 🔥

⭐ Three Clubs Receive Preliminary Round Exemption

CAF decided to exempt only three clubs from participating in the first preliminary round of the Champions League due to their strong ranking and recent continental achievements.

The exempted clubs are:

Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦

Esperance de Tunis 🇹🇳

RS Berkane 🇲🇦

These teams were placed in the first level after achieving impressive results in recent African competitions, earning them a direct passage to later stages.

🔴 Zamalek and Pyramids Placed in Second Level

The Egyptian duo Zamalek and Pyramids were included in the second level of the CAF Champions League rankings, becoming Egypt’s representatives among the strongest teams participating in the tournament.

The second level includes:

Zamalek 🇪🇬

Pyramids 🇪🇬

Petro Atletico 🇦🇴

Orlando Pirates 🇿🇦

Simba SC 🇹🇿

Young Africans 🇹🇿

Al Hilal 🇸🇩

ASEC Mimosas 🇨🇮

Stade Malien 🇲🇱

MC Alger 🇩🇿

Being placed in this level gives Zamalek and Pyramids a better chance of avoiding some of the strongest opponents in the early rounds, while still facing major continental challenges.

⚽ Third Level Includes Experienced African Clubs

The third level features several clubs with strong continental experience, including:

TP Mazembe 🇨🇩

Rivers United 🇳🇬

Power Dynamos

Djoliba 🇲🇱

Nouadhibou 🇲🇷

Horoya Conakry 🇬🇳

These teams have significant experience in African competitions and remain capable of producing strong performances against bigger clubs.

🟡 Fourth Level Includes Arab and African Teams

The fourth level contains several Arab and African clubs:

Al Merrikh 🇸🇩

Medeama 🇬🇭

Club Africain 🇹🇳

San Pedro 🇨🇮

Vipers 🇺🇬

JS Saoura 🇩🇿

These clubs will look to create surprises during the preliminary rounds and challenge more established teams.

🌍 36 Unseeded Clubs in Fifth Level

The fifth level includes 36 unseeded clubs from different African countries, all competing for the opportunity to qualify for the main stages of the tournament.

For these teams, the preliminary rounds represent a major opportunity to prove themselves against more experienced opponents.

🔥 Strong Competition Expected in New Edition

Football fans across Africa are eagerly waiting for the CAF Champions League 2026-2027, especially with the participation of several major clubs aiming to win the prestigious continental title.

The tournament always delivers excitement and unpredictable results, as clubs battle for the chance to lift the most valuable trophy in African football.

With the draw approaching, clubs have started analyzing possible opponents and planning their path toward continental success. 🏆✨