In a groundbreaking move, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the TotalEnergies CAF Interclub Preliminary Draw will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the very first time. Scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at 13h00 local time (10h00 GMT), the high-stakes event will set the stage for the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup seasons. Football fans across the continent can catch the draw live on CAF’s YouTube page and through its global broadcast partners.
The decision to host the draw in Dar es Salaam reflects CAF’s growing commitment to East Africa’s booming football market, which has seen a significant surge in viewership and engagement in recent seasons. Azam Media, CAF’s strategic partner in the region, will host the draw in its state-of-the-art studios, a move that echoes the successful precedent set by similar events held at SuperSport and beIN Sports studios.
This landmark occasion not only celebrates the rising prominence of East African football but also signals the beginning of what promises to be another electrifying season of African club competitions. From traditional powerhouses to ambitious underdogs like Uganda’s Vipers SC and NEC FC, the draw will determine the early battles that could shape the journey toward continental glory. The growing regional support and fan enthusiasm are expected to add even more excitement to this year’s competitions.
According to CAF, the Preliminary Round of matches will kick off on September 19, 2025, followed by the Second Preliminary Round on October 17, 2025. After these early tests, teams will aim for the coveted Group Stage, set to begin on November 21, 2025, while the knockout phase is scheduled to launch on March 13, 2026, setting the pace for what could be one of the most competitive seasons yet.
With the spotlight now shifting to Tanzania, CAF’s choice marks a strategic and symbolic investment in the future of football in East Africa. As fans eagerly await Saturday’s draw, anticipation is building for the unfolding stories, rivalries, and unforgettable moments that make African club football a spectacle unlike any other.
