CAF Rankings Reveal North Africa’s Dominance as South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Takes the Lead

North African clubs have once again underlined their dominance in African football after the release of the latest CAF Club Rankings for the 2026/27 season, with teams from the region occupying nine of the top 10 places.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns remain Africa’s highest-ranked club with 73 points, but they are the only team outside North Africa to feature in the top 10. Egyptian giants Al Ahly sit second with 66 points, followed by Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Morocco’s RS Berkane, Algeria’s USM Alger, Egypt’s Zamalek and Pyramids, Morocco’s AS FAR, Sudan’s Al Hilal, and Algeria’s CR Belouizdad.

East Africa, however, continues to strengthen its presence on the continental stage, with Tanzania producing the region’s highest-ranked clubs. Simba SC are ranked 11th with 38 points, while rivals Young Africans (Yanga) sit 12th on 35 points, placing both clubs comfortably among Africa’s top 15.

Tanzania also has a third representative in the rankings, with Azam FC placed 39th and Singida Black Stars occupying 58th position.

Uganda has two clubs on the list, with Vipers SC ranked 66th and SC Villa absent after failing to accumulate enough ranking points. Kenya is represented by Nairobi United, who are ranked 61st, while no Rwandan, Burundian, Ethiopian, South Sudanese or Somali clubs feature in the standings.

Southern Africa is represented by seven clubs in the rankings, including Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch, Marumo Gallants, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, and Zambia’s Zesco United, highlighting the region’s growing competitiveness beyond South Africa’s traditional powerhouses.

West Africa also has a notable presence, with clubs including ASEC Mimosas, Stade Malien, Rivers United, Djoliba, Dreams FC, Enyimba, Horoya, Stade d’Abidjan, ASC Jaraaf, CSMD Diables Noirs, AS Real de Bamako, SOAR, and US Gendarmerie Nationale.

Central Africa, meanwhile, continues to have limited representation, led by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, AS Maniema Union, Saint-Éloi Lupopo, and AS Vita Club, alongside clubs from Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville.