Al Ahly will begin their 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup campaign against either FC Mogadishu of Somalia or Uganda’s Kitara after the draw for the competition confirmed the Egyptian club’s route to the group stage.
The Egyptian giants will not participate in the opening preliminary round after receiving an exemption due to their strong record in recent editions of the CAF Champions League.
Instead, Al Ahly will enter the competition in the second preliminary round, where they will face the winner of the tie between FC Mogadishu and Kitara. The first leg will be played away from home, while the return fixture will take place in Cairo.
The announcement has attracted significant attention from Al Ahly supporters, who are eager to see how the club performs in another African campaign.
The Red Devils are entering the Confederation Cup with the ambition of competing for continental honours and adding another trophy to one of Africa’s most successful club records.
The first leg of Al Ahly’s preliminary round tie is scheduled to take place between 16 and 18 October 2026, with the second leg set for 23 to 25 October.
The dates will mark the beginning of a new continental journey for the Cairo-based club, who will aim to use their extensive African experience to progress through the tournament.
Al Ahly’s participation in the Confederation Cup comes after their continued presence among Africa’s elite clubs in recent years. Their performances in the CAF Champions League have contributed to their exemption from the opening stage of the competition.
The club’s supporters are now waiting for the October fixtures, as the team prepares for another challenge outside Egypt.
FC Mogadishu and Kitara will first compete against each other for the opportunity to meet Al Ahly in the next round. The winner of that encounter will then face one of the continent’s most decorated clubs over two legs.
For Al Ahly, the return match in Cairo could prove significant, with the club set to rely on home support as they attempt to secure progression to the next stage.
The Confederation Cup represents another opportunity for the Egyptian side to strengthen its reputation in African football. Although Al Ahly have traditionally enjoyed success in the Champions League, they will now focus on navigating the Confederation Cup route and challenging for another continental title.
The draw has provided clarity on the opening stage of their campaign, but the identity of their opponent will not be known until the conclusion of the Mogadishu versus Kitara tie.
Regardless of who emerges from that matchup, Al Ahly will begin the competition as one of the teams expected to compete for the trophy, with fans hoping the club can deliver another memorable African campaign.
The Red Giants will now turn their attention towards preparations for October, when their latest continental adventure officially begins.
