Continental giants Al Ahly will face either Somali or Ugandan opposition after the draw for the first two Preliminary Rounds in the CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 was made on Thursday, as the 56 competing clubs learned their path to the Group Stages.
The teams begin their pursuit of one of African football’s most prestigious trophies and the USD 4 million prize awaiting the eventual champions.
Clubs eliminated during the preliminary stage will each receive a USD 100,000 solidarity payment from CAF to assist with travel and other logistical costs.
The eight highest ranked clubs have received byes into the Second Preliminary Round, while the other 48 teams will contest 24 two-legged ties in the opening stage.
The 24 winners will join the eight exempted clubs to create a 32-team Second Preliminary Round, from which the 16 victorious sides will advance to the group stages.
Among the most eye-catching potential ties is 12-time TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly’s clash with either Mogadishu CC from Somalia or Kitara FC of Uganda. They will await to see who wins that First Preliminary Round tie.
