CAF Confederation Cup: What it is and why it matters

The CAF Confederation Cup is Africa’s secondary club competition — think of it as the continent’s version of the Europa League. It gives cup winners and high-placing league teams across Africa a route to continental silverware and international exposure. The winner also earns the right to play the CAF Super Cup against the CAF Champions League winner.

Format & qualification

The tournament runs across several rounds. Clubs enter at preliminary stages, then move through a play-off round into a group stage. The group stage usually features 16 teams split into groups, then the top teams progress to knockout rounds: quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. CAF sometimes adjusts the exact format, so check the official CAF calendar for each season.

How do clubs qualify? Most countries send their national cup winners. In some cases, high-placed league teams that don’t make the Champions League also enter. That mix means you often see domestic cup underdogs and strong league sides locking horns — which makes for unpredictable, exciting ties.

Match rules and the final

Most knockout ties are played over two legs (home and away). Away-goal rules and extra time can be used depending on the round and CAF’s current regulations. CAF has changed the final format before, so the final can be a single match at a neutral venue or a two-legged tie. Always check the season’s rules for clarity.

One clear prize: the Confederation Cup winner faces the Champions League winner in the CAF Super Cup. That match often draws big interest and gives the Confederation Cup champion a chance to measure up against Africa’s top club.

Want to follow the competition closely? Here are practical tips:

• Check the CAF official site for fixtures and rule updates — it’s the final word on format changes and match venues.
• Local broadcasters and sports channels in each country often hold rights. Streaming options vary by region, so look for licensed streams to avoid unreliable feeds.
• Follow club social accounts and official CAF social channels for lineups, live updates and post-match interviews.
• If you prefer text updates, follow live blogs and match threads on sports sites — they’re great for minute-by-minute action when you can’t watch.

On Patio Pulse we track African club action across the continent. Use this tag page to find match reports, tactical breakdowns, transfer news tied to Confederation Cup clubs, and previews ahead of big ties. We pull together the latest from different countries so you can follow teams you care about without hunting multiple sites.

Got a favourite club in the competition? Bookmark this tag, turn on notifications, and check back on match days. We’ll update scores, highlight key moments, and explain any format changes so you always know what’s at stake.

Questions about fixtures, broadcasters, or how teams qualify in your country? Send us a note on Patio Pulse and we’ll answer or cover it in our next post.