South African football clubs Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC are gearing up for their next challenge after learning their group stage opponents in the 2024/25 CAF inter-club competitions.
This comes after months of intense competition in the preliminary rounds, which kicked off in August.
The excitement culminated in the group stage draw, held in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, October 7, 2024.
A Step Forward for SA Teams in CAF Tournaments
The day kicked off with the CAF Confederation Cup draw at 14:00 (SA time), followed by the CAF Champions League draw an hour later.
This draw marks a crucial moment for South Africa’s top clubs, who now know exactly what they’re up against as they move forward in the CAF tournaments.
Mamelodi Sundowns Face a Tough Group
Mamelodi Sundowns, aiming for redemption after falling short in the semi-finals last season, will face strong competition in Group B of the CAF Champions League.
Their opponents include Moroccan giants Raja CA, ASFAR Club, and AS Maniema Union.
Sundowns’ previous campaign ended with a disappointing 2-0 aggregate loss to ES Tunis, and this time they’ll be looking to go all the way to the finals.
Orlando Pirates Return to Champions League Group Stage
Orlando Pirates are back in the CAF Champions League group stages for the first time in five years.
Drawn into Group C, the Buccaneers will have to navigate a tricky set of fixtures against defending champions Al Ahly, Algerian side CR Belouizdad, and Stade d’Abidjan from Côte d’Ivoire.
Pirates fans will be hoping their team can rise to the occasion and make a deep run in the tournament.
Stellenbosch FC Set for Confederation Cup Showdown
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup, find themselves in Group B alongside RS Berkane, Stade Malien, and CD Lunda Sul.
This marks an exciting opportunity for the club, who are eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
Group Stage Overview: Champions League and Confederation Cup
Here’s a look at the full group stage draw for both competitions:
CAF Champions League Groups
Group A
- TP Mazembe
- Young Africans
- Al Hilal SC
- MC Alger
Group B
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Raja CA
- ASFAR Club
- AS Maniema Union
Group C
- Al Ahly
- CR Belouizdad
- Orlando Pirates
- Stade d’Abidjan
Group D
- ES Tunis
- Pyramids FC
- GD Sagrada Esperança
- Djoliba AC de Bamako
CAF Confederation Cup Groups
Group A
- Simba SC
- SC Sfaxien
- CS Constantine
- FC Bravos de Marquis
Group B
- RS Berkane
- Stade Malien
- Stellenbosch FC
- CD Lunda Sul
Group C
- USM Alger
- ASEC Mimosas
- ASC Jaraaf
- Orapa United
Group D
- Zamalek SC
- Al Masry
- Enyimba
- Black Bulls
What’s Next for the Clubs?
With the group stage opponents now revealed, the real work begins.
Each team will be preparing rigorously to face some of the continent’s toughest clubs, hoping to progress to the knockout stages.
Fans are eager to see if Sundowns can finally claim CAF glory, if Pirates can make a successful return, and how Stellenbosch will fare in their Confederation Cup journey.
The stage is set for an exciting 2024/25 CAF season!
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