CAF Champions League Qualification Home

CAF Champions League Qualification Overview

Masindi Nemtajela and Soso Mukoko, Orlando Pirates vs Lupopo

Pirates' CAF CL protest: Lupopo insist they are ‘clean’ & Bucs ‘took wrong information'

The Buccaneers reached the semi-final of the annual prestigious continental club competition last season before falling to the eventual champions, Pyramids, who beat the Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. However, things didn't work out in their favour as they were undone in the last preliminary round and crashed out.

Pirates set to be reinstated in Champs League? Lupopo confirm receipt of CAF letter

The Soweto giants argue they were not fairly eliminated from the CAF inter-club competition by the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit last weekend. They have since protested the same to the football governing body on the continent, who have in turn demanded an explanation from the Cheminots within five days.

What did Lupopo use to beat Pirates in CAF CL? - 'That was the difference'

Although they showed strong character and a spirited fight, the Sea Robbers were eliminated from the continental competition. After their continental campaign ended, even after coming so close last season, it means Bucs will only be chasing domestic titles in 2025-26.

Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2025

Cardoso explains how big first-leg win against Remo Stars changed Sundowns' CAF CL objectives

Nuno Santos and Peter Shalulile scored at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to hand the Brazilians another win after beating their second preliminary round rivals on their own turf in the first leg. Since the big win at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Downs' tactician has revealed that their objectives shifted.

Mokwena frustrated, but MC Alger reach CAF CL group stage

The South African's side was made to sweat by their second preliminary round continental rivals, who proved to be a very stubborn opponent. However, in the end, it is Mokwena's team that had the last laugh.

Mixed Fortunes in CAF CL & Confed Cup for SA clubs!

South African teams were in action this weekend in the second leg of the preliminary rounds of both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup. Pirates and Sundowns did action in the continent’s premier competition - the CAF Champions League - while Chiefs and Stellies were playing in the Confederation Cup.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Arsenal	33	21	7	5	63	26	37	70	L L W W W
2	Manchester City	32	20	7	5	65	29	36	67	W W D D W
3	Manchester United	33	16	10	7	58	45	13	58	W L D W L
4	Aston Villa	33	17	7	9	47	41	6	58	W D W L L
5	Liverpool	33	16	7	10	54	43	11	55	W W L D L

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form

Arsenal

L
L
W
W
W

Manchester City

W
W
D
D
W

Manchester United

W
L
D
W
L

Aston Villa

W
D
W
L
L

Liverpool

W
W
L
D
L

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most FA Cup titles?

Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times, more than any other club. Their most recent victory came in 2020, but there is a club from Manchester hot on their heels...

How many teams are in the FA Cup?

A total of 745 clubs will be participating in the 2024-25 FA Cup, spanning from the Premier League down to Level 9 of the English football league system, with teams from the Level 10 acting as stand-ins in case a team from the aforementioned levels drops out from the competition. The inaugural FA Cup in 1871-82 had just 15 teams participating in it.

Who has made the most FA Cup appearances ever?

Former Liverpool defender Ian Callaghan, with 88 appearances, is FA Cup's record-appearance maker in history.

Who is the all-time top scorer of the FA Cup?

The all-time top scorer in the FA Cup is Ian Rush, with 41 goals in 62 games, primarily scored during his time as a centre forward for Liverpool.

Who is the youngest player ever in the FA Cup and how old was he?

Paris Hamilton-Downes became the youngest player to ever feature in the FA Cup, debuting at 13 years, 11 months, and one day.for Carshalton Athletic in 2019.

Which famous players have played in the FA Cup?

The FA Cup has featured many football legends, including Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, and Frank Lampard. Modern-day superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Sergio Aguero have also made their mark on the competition.

Which famous managers have managed in the FA Cup?

Legendary managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola have guided their teams to success in the FA Cup. Notably, Wenger holds the record for most FA Cup victories as a manager, with seven titles to his name.