The 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup is underway, bringing together Africa’s top football clubs in a thrilling contest that showcases talent, passion, and continental pride. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), this tournament serves as Africa’s second-tier club competition after the CAF Champions League, but it has grown in prestige and excitement over the years.
Results, Fixtures and Live Scores
Caf Confederation Cup liveDefending Champions
RS Berkane (Morocco) claimed the 2024–25 title, defeating Simba SC in the final.
2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup key dates
| Stage | Draw Date | Match Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Rounds Draw | 9 August 2025 | — |
| First Preliminary Round | — | 19–21 Sept (1st leg) & 26–28 Sept 2025 (2nd leg) |
| Second Preliminary Round | — | 17–19 Oct (1st leg) & 24–26 Oct 2025 (2nd leg) |
| Group Stage | — | Begins 21 November 2025 |
| Knockout Stage | — | Starts 13 March 2026 |
| Final | — | Scheduled between 8–24 May 2026 |
Note: Six top-ranked clubs (e.g., Wydad AC, Zamalek SC, Racing Berkane) receive byes past the first preliminary round based on CAF’s club ranking. |Wikipedia Confédération Africaine de Football
Format & Qualification Path
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A total of 58 teams enter the qualifying rounds to compete for one of the 16 group stage spots.
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Winners from the second preliminary round advance directly to the group stage (no Champions League drop-outs). | ghanafa.org
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The group stage features 16 teams split into groups; top teams progress to knockout rounds.
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The knockout phase, beginning mid-March, includes rounds of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, with ties typically played over two legs.
Timeline Summary
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Draw: 9 August 2025 (Dar es Salaam)
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Qualifiers:
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First legs: 19–21 Sept 2025
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Return legs: 26–28 Sept 2025
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Second prelims: 17–19 Oct & 24–26 Oct 2025
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Group Stage Launch: 21 November 2025
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Knockout Rounds: From 13 March 2026
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Final Window: Between 8 and 24 May 2026 | ghanafa.orgFoot Africa
2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup — Season Overview
Champion & Final Result
Winner: RS Berkane (Morocco)—their third title in the competition.
Final Outcome: RS Berkane defeated Simba SC (Tanzania) with a 3–1 aggregate score over two legs.
| Leg | Date | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Leg | 17 May 2025 | Berkane Municipal Stadium, Berkane | RS Berkane 2–0 Simba |
| Second Leg | 25 May 2025 | Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City | Simba 1–1 RS Berkane |
Tournament Summary
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Teams | 52 (from 40 associations) |
| Total Matches | 62 |
| Total Goals | 135 |
| Top Scorers | Oussama Lamlioui (RS Berkane) & Ismaïl Belkacemi (USM Alger) – 5 goals each |
Key Tournament Dates
| Stage | First Leg | Second Leg |
|---|---|---|
| First Preliminary Round | 16–18 August 2024 | 23–25 August 2024 |
| Second Preliminary Round | 13–15 September 2024 | 20–22 September 2024 |
| Group Stage (6 matchdays) | Matchdays from 27 November 2024 to 19 January 2025 | |
| Quarter-finals | 2 April 2025 | 9 April 2025 |
| Semi-finals | 20 April 2025 | 27 April 2025 |
| Final | 17 May 2025 | 25 May 2025 |
Sources: CAF tournament records and summary data. Update with player names, assist leaders, or club-by-club stats as desired.
Historical Context
The CAF Confederation Cup was first launched in 2004, merging the CAF Cup and the African Cup Winners’ Cup. Since then, it has produced memorable clashes and allowed emerging clubs to gain international recognition. Clubs like RS Berkane (Morocco), CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), and TP Mazembe (DR Congo) have all left their mark on the tournament.
Why It Matters
The CAF Confederation Cup provides a crucial platform for African clubs outside the Champions League spotlight. It helps promote local talent, boosts regional rivalries, and offers financial rewards that strengthen club football in Africa. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness hidden gems and surprise stories that often rival those in bigger competitions.