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	Barcelona	6	5	1	0	20	3	17	16	W W D W W
2	OL Lyonnes	6	5	1	0	18	5	13	16	W W D W W
3	Chelsea FC Women	6	4	2	0	20	3	17	14	W W D W W
4	Bayern Munich	6	4	1	1	14	13	1	13	W D W W W
5	Arsenal Women	6	4	0	2	11	6	5	12	W W W L W

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form

Barcelona

W
W
D
W
W

OL Lyonnes

W
W
D
W
W

Chelsea FC Women

W
W
D
W
W

Bayern Munich

W
D
W
W
W

Arsenal Women

W
W
W
L
W

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most Conference League titles?

Since the Conference League's inception in 2021, three teams have lifted the trophy: Roma, West Ham United, and the current champions, Olympiacos.

How many teams are in the Conference League?

The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams, four more than in the previous format.

Who has made the most Conference League appearances ever?

Mainz 05 midfielder Hong Hyun-seok and Gent captain Sven Kums have made 39 appearances each in the Conference League, making them the players with the most appearances in the competition.

Who is the all-time top scorer of the Conference League?

As for top goalscorers, Arthur Cabral leads the list with 21 goals to his name, including those scored in the qualifying phase. However, without taking into account goals scored in the qualifying phase, three players have scored the joint-most goals in Conference League with 12 each to their names: Arthur Cabral, Eran Zahavi, and Vangelis Pavlidis.

Who has the most assists in the history of the Conference League?

Darian Males, Gavriel Kanichowsky, and Cristiano Biraghi have the most assists in Conference League history, registering eight assists each.

Who is the oldest player ever in the Conference League and how old was he?

Veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while playing for Villarreal in 2023, became the oldest player to feature in the Conference League at 40 years and 175 days.

Who is the youngest player ever in the Conference League and how old was he?

Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi holds the record as the Conference League's youngest-ever player at the tender age of 16 years and 3 days.

Which famous players have played in the Conference League?

Stars such as Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tammy Abraham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins,Co Mario Gotze, Kasper Schmeichel, Cody Gakpo, Stephan El Shaarawy, James Maddison, Jonathan David, and Edin Dzeko have played in the Conference League.

Which famous managers have managed in the Conference League?

Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Unai Emery, David Moyes, and Ange Postecoglou are among the most famous managers to have managed in the Conference League.