The 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup kicks off today Friday 16th August, marking the start of a new chapter in Africa’s club football.
With 51 teams from 40 nations battling it out, the competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Defending champions Zamalek will be eager to defend their title, but they face stiff competition from a host of ambitious clubs.
North African teams have dominated the competition in recent years, but the likes of DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, Ghana’s Hearts of Oak, Mali’s Stade Malien, and Congo Republic’s AC Léopards will be looking to break the North African stranglehold.
The opening rounds promise a feast of football for fans across the continent.
Zambian giants Zesco United face a tough test against Zimbabwe’s Dynamos FC, while Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs travel to South Africa to face Stellenbosch FC.
In Algeria, CS Constantine will be looking to make a strong start against Rwanda’s Police FC.
Uganda’s Kitara are set to make their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup, facing a stern test against Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi in the preliminary round.
The winner of the competition will not only lift the coveted trophy but will also secure a place in the CAF Super Cup against the winner of the CAF Champions League.
The Confederation Cup has become a vital component of African football, providing opportunities for clubs to compete at the highest level and generate revenue.
It has also served as a breeding ground for future stars, with many players using the competition as a springboard to bigger clubs and national teams.