Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns face challenging CAF Champions League group stages after the draw was conducted on Monday.

Pirates, fresh from their MTN8 victory on Saturday, have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad of Algeria, and Stade D’Abidjan of Ivory Coast.

Khanyisa Mayo, who recently joined Belouizdad from Cape Town City, will return to South Africa to face a familiar side. Pirates, who won this cup in 1995, have a history against Al Ahly, having faced them in the 2013 Champions League final. Bafana Bafana vice-captain Percy Tau is part of the Ahly side, having won the Champions League with them last season.

Sundowns, the 2016 Champions League winners, have been placed in Group B with Raja Casablanca, AS FAR (both from Morocco), and AS Maniema Union of Democratic of Congo.

AS FAR was previously coached by Nasreddine Nabi, who is now the head coach of Kaizer Chiefs.

The group stage will begin between 26-27 November 2024 for Matchday 1 and end on 17-18 January for Matchday 6.