The 2026-2027 African Champions League has officially confirmed the participation of 16 clubs in the group stage, following the conclusion of the second preliminary round. Among these, Moroccan clubs have made a remarkable impact, securing an impressive nine spots, which showcases their formidable presence on the continent’s football stage.
The matches that determined qualification were nothing short of thrilling, featuring dramatic goals that solidified the dominance of Arab clubs across Africa.
Moroccan Clubs Shine in the African Landscape
In a spectacular display of resilience, FUS Rabat achieved a dramatic comeback against Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas, clinching a 2-1 victory in Abidjan. The dramatic finish was sealed by a last-minute goal from Khalid Baba in the 90+7 minute, thus securing their spot after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. Similarly, RS Berkane also continued their strong performance by defeating Sierra Leone’s Star Sports with a narrow 1-0 victory to secure their place in the next round.
In Tunisia, African Club managed to snatch a crucial ticket by defeating the Congolese TP Mazembe 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Cameroon’s Thaddeus Nking. This victory was crucial as they had drawn 1-1 in the first leg. Their rivals, Esperance Tunis, also advanced, prevailing in a tense penalty shootout against Libyan side Al-Swehli, after exchanging victories of 1-0 in both legs.
On the Mauritanian front, Nouadhibou turned around their first-leg defeat of 1-2 against Ivorian side San Pedro to secure a 2-0 win at home in Nouakchott, thanks to goals from Cartier Dembele and Sheikh Khattab, thus qualifying with an aggregate score of 3-2.
Sudan’s Al-Hilal advanced smoothly by renewing their victory over Ethiopian side Sidama Coffee with a convincing 2-0 win in Cairo, confirming their supremacy with a total score of 4-0 across both legs.
In Egypt, Pyramids FC overwhelmed Merreikh Banjul with a resounding 4-0 victory, while Zamalek continued their journey by repeating their previous win against Rwandan side APR, courtesy of a goal from Ahmed Sherif.
Algeria’s MC Alger made a remarkable turnaround, overcoming their first-leg deficit in the preliminary round of the African Champions League. They secured a dramatic and well-deserved qualification to the group stage after a thrilling 3-0 victory over Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers at 5 July Stadium, compensating for their earlier 2-0 loss to qualify with an aggregate score of 3-2.
Other Competitors from the Continent
Alongside the Arab clubs, the final list of teams qualifying for the group stage includes other noteworthy clubs such as Tanzania’s Simba, Young Africans, Cameroon’s Colombe Sportif, Guinea’s Horoya Conakry, Angola’s Petro Atlético, and Wiliete, who surprised many by eliminating Sundowns, as well as South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the official draw for the group stage will take place next Wednesday, where the 16 qualified clubs will be divided into four groups consisting of the continent's elite teams, all vying for the prestigious African title.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
