The CAF Champions League is entering that tense middle stretch where every club starts doing the maths, every missed chance suddenly matters, and supporters across the continent begin to dream a little louder. With the return legs kicking off this weekend, the competition is bubbling beautifully, and almost every group still feels wide open.
It is African football at its best: bold, unpredictable, and filled with teams carrying the hopes of their cities, countries and loyal supporters.
Read more: Sundowns held to a dramatic draw as Al Hilal stun Loftus with clinical finishing
Sundowns eye control in Group C
Friday night gives us a strong start as Mamelodi Sundowns take on Al Hilal in Kigali. The two sides are tied on five points after their 2-2 draw earlier this month, and both know that a win could tilt Group C in their favour.
For South African fans, this match will feel like a big temperature check on Sundowns’ campaign. A result away from home could set the tone for a confident push to the quarterfinals.
Yanga hope to close the gap on Al Ahly
Saturday’s early match has Young Africans welcoming Al Ahly to Zanzibar. Al Ahly sit on top of Group B with seven points and carry the weight of their massive continental reputation. Yanga, three points behind, know they need a performance that lifts them back into the race.
Playing at home gives them a spark, and Zanzibar will no doubt bring that warm, colourful East African energy.
Petro de Luanda fighting to keep their dream alive
In Luanda, Petro host Stade Malien after suffering their first loss of the group stage. That defeat pushed them down to third in Group D, and suddenly their path to the quarters is not as smooth as it looked earlier. A home win could settle the nerves.
Pressure mounts for AS FAR and JS Kabylie
Later on Saturday, AS FAR and JS Kabylie meet in Rabat with both sides still hunting for a first group-stage win. Their last meeting ended 0-0, but now the stakes are higher. Groups can shift quickly at this stage of the competition, and both clubs know they cannot afford to fall further behind.
Simba still searching for liftoff
Sunday begins in Dar es Salaam where Simba, still without a point, host ES Tunis. Simba are a massive club with passionate support, which makes their difficult start even harder to swallow. ES Tunis, meanwhile, want to keep the pressure on Stade Malien.
Pyramids and RS Berkane go toe-to-toe
Two of the competition’s powerhouses collide in Cairo as Pyramids face RS Berkane. They are tied on seven points, although Berkane edge the group thanks to scoring more goals. Their last meeting ended with no winners and no goals, so this rematch carries extra flavour. Expect a battle between two sides who look like real title contenders.
Rivers United and Power Dynamos in must-win territory
In Nigeria, Rivers United take on Power Dynamos. Both are still waiting for a first win and sit six points behind the leaders. It is now or never if they want to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
MC Alger hope to bounce back
The weekend closes with MC Alger at home to Saint-Eloi Lupopo. Alger have struggled with just one point from three games, while Lupopo’s previous win between the two sides gives them some momentum. With their home crowd behind them, Alger will look to reset their campaign.
No doubt about it. He knows. 😮💨#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/a29DUV9XMF
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) January 29, 2026
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Source: SuperSport
Featured Image Source: CAF Champions League on X
