The group stage of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League kicks off with exciting matchups as Africa’s top clubs vie for continental supremacy. All 16 teams are set to be in action on Tuesday 26 November, with Al Ahly leading the headlines as they face Stade d’Abidjan in a Group C match.The Egyptian giants, aiming for their third consecutive title, will look to establish their dominance at the Cairo International Stadium. The Red Eagles boast an impressive unbeaten streak of 15 home matches in the CAF Champions League, including 13 wins.##NAJAVA_MECA_8527565##Al Ahly’s head coach, Marcel Koller, highlighted the team’s ambition, stating at Monday’s pre-match press conference, “This edition will be very challenging as all teams share the same goal, but the support from our fans is a powerful motivator pushing us to achieve new milestones.”Al Ahly’s captain, Mohamed El Shenawy, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We aim to secure a third consecutive title. We’re a team accustomed to pressure, and we’ll tackle each challenge step by step.”Meanwhile, Stade d’Abidjan’s coach, Alexandre Lafitte, acknowledged the uphill battle his team faces but remains hopeful: “We’re in a tough group with some of Africa’s strongest sides, but we’ve prepared diligently. Our goal is to progress and leave a lasting impression.”Al Hilal and MC Alger on the roadIn Group A, Sudan’s Al Hilal travel to Tanzania to take on Young Africans, with coach Florent Ibenge eager for a strong start in this competitive group. Algeria’s MC Alger return to the Champions League after a four-year absence, facing DR Congo’s TP Mazembe. MC Alger’s coach, Patrice Baumel, aims to carry their domestic form onto the continental stage.Tusker’s Charles Okere delighted to reap benefits of his 2017 scouting missionMoroccan Derby in Group BGroup B promises fireworks with a highly anticipated clash between Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat. Raja, struggling with inconsistency this season, hope to turn things around under coach Ricardo Sapinto. FAR Rabat, in stronger form domestically, will rely on the tactical prowess of coach Hubert Velud.Elsewhere, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns take on DR Congo’s Manema Union, in a battle of contrasting football styles.Chabab Belouizdad vs. Orlando PiratesThe other Group C match sees Algeria’s Chabab Belouizdad meet South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in a high-stakes encounter, with both teams eager to secure an early advantage in the race for qualification.Group D ShowdownsLast season’s runners-up, Esperance of Tunisia, face Djoliba of Mali, with coach Laurent Rijkamp aiming to continue their domestic revival. Egypt’s Pyramids FC also kick off their campaign against Angola’s Sagrada at Cairo’s Air Defense Stadium.Junior Starlets duo earn first senior call-ups as Odemba names squad for Morocco
