Rivers United of Nigeria drawn against African title holders Pyramids

3 de noviembre de 2025, 13:15

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Nigerias aspiring side Rivers United will take on defending champions Pyramids from Egypt following the CAF Champions League group stage draw held in Johannesburg on Monday.

Moroccos Renaissance Berkane and Zambiass Power Dynamos round out Group A, where Pyramids stand as the sole team among the quartet with prior experience in this phase.

While Nigeria holds a strong position in African football, just one team from the continents most populous nation, namely Enyimba, has claimed the trophy.

Since Enyimbas consecutive triumphs in 2003 and 2004, no other Nigerian outfit has neared such success.

Rivers navigated a challenging route to reach this stage, edging out Aigles from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Black Bulls from Mozambique via narrow one goal aggregate margins.

Pyramids, often overshadowed by Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, emerged as unexpected winners in the previous campaign.

They overcame South Africas Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at home in Cairo, having secured a last minute 1-1 stalemate in the opening leg.

Pyramids feature prominent forward Mahmoud Mayele from Congo, who topped the Champions League scoring charts last term with nine strikes.

Mayele features in the 10 man shortlist for the 2025 African Player of the Year, alongside Berkanes fellow forward Oussama Lamlioui.

Mokwena set for Sundowns reunion

Pyramids secured the CAF Super Cup last month with a 1-0 victory over Berkane, pitting the Champions League victors against the Confederation Cup holders in an annual showdown.

South African manager Rulani Mokwena, now leading Algerias Mouloudia Alger, will encounter his previous team Sundowns in Group C, joined by Sudans Al Hilal and DR Congos Saint-Eloi Lupopo.

First timers Lupopo stunned South Africas Orlando Pirates during the closing qualification phase.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly, with 12 titles to their name, occupy Group B alongside North African rivals Moroccos FAR Rabat and Algerias JS Kabylie, with Tanzanias Young Africans filling the final spot.

Tanzanias other contenders Simba will meet Tunisiass four time winners Esperance in Group D, where Angolas Petro Luanda and Malis Stade Malien also compete.

The opening matches are set for November 21-22, with the concluding group fixtures slated for February 13-14.

Draw

Group A

Renaissance Berkane (MAR), Pyramids (EGY, holders), Rivers Utd (NGR), Power Dynamos (ZAM)

Group B

Al Ahly (EGY), Young Africans (TAN), FAR Rabat (MAR), JS Kabylie (ALG)

Group C

Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Al Hilal (SUD), Mouloudia Alger (ALG), Saint-Eloi Lupopo (COD)

Group D

Esperance (Tunisia), Simba (TAN), Petro Luanda (ANG), Stade Malien (MLI)

Group winners and runners-up advance to quarter-finals

Matchdays