The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 campaign kicks off this weekend, with preliminary round first legs scheduled between 4 and 6 September, and the return fixtures following a week later. The edition promises a compelling blend of continental newcomers, long-absent returners, and one of African football's most celebrated clubs making a landmark comeback.

Seventeen clubs make their continental debut

A total of 17 clubs will compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the first time this season, representing countries that stretch from Egypt to Seychelles and from Nigeria to Madagascar.

Egypt's ZED FC are among the most prominent debutants, while Nations FC carry the hopes of Ghana and Durban City FC represent South Africa. Nigeria's Shooting Stars bring the storied footballing tradition of Ibadan to the continental stage — though this marks their first appearance in this specific competition.

Ethiopia's Welwalo Adigrat, Benin's ASPAC FC, Chad's AS PSI, and CO Korhogo of Côte d'Ivoire are also making their bows. UDIB enter for Guinea-Bissau, Vitesse FC for Burkina Faso, and FC Diarra for Mali.

Niger's AS ZAM, Namibia's UNAM, and Madagascar's FC Rouge also feature among the first-timers. The Indian Ocean islands add further colour to the group, with Atomic Ngomé of Comoros and PTL Bazar Brothers of Seychelles embarking on their first continental adventures. DC Virunga of DR Congo complete the list of 17 debutants.

Al Ahly return after more than a decade away

The most eye-catching comeback belongs to Al Ahly. The Egyptian giants, who are the most decorated club in African football history, are back in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the first time since 2015 — an absence of more than ten years.

Al Ahly won the competition in 2014 and have spent the years since competing primarily in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. Their return to the Confederation Cup immediately elevates the profile of the 2026/27 edition and raises the stakes for every club in the draw.

Long-absent sides reconnect with the competition

Al Ahly are not the only club rekindling their relationship with the tournament. Tunisia's ES Zarzis hold the distinction of the longest absence among notable returnees, having last competed in the Confederation Cup in 2006 — a gap of 20 years. African club football has transformed enormously over that period, and for Zarzis, 2026/27 feels as much like a fresh beginning as a return.

Equatorial Guinea's The Panthers FC also end a significant wait. Their last appearance in the competition came in 2014, making their comeback a 12-year absence from continental football in this format.

With 17 clubs writing the opening lines of their continental stories and established names reclaiming their place on the big stage, the road to the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage is set to deliver drama from the very first whistle.