Dar es Salaam will tomorrow make history by hosting the preliminary draw for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup two of Africa’s most prestigious club competitions for the first time.
The draw, set for 4:00 p.m. at Azam Media studios, will be broadcast live on CAF’s YouTube channel and international partners, marking the official kickoff of the new African club football season.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said the choice of Tanzania’s commercial capital reflected the region’s growing importance in its continental calendar, driven by rising viewership and fan engagement in East Africa.
Last season saw record television audiences from the region, particularly during matches involving Tanzanian giants Young Africans and Simba SC.
Hosting the event in Dar es Salaam aligns with CAF’s strategy to expand its hosting portfolio beyond traditional North and West African venues.
The selection of Azam Media CAF’s key East African broadcast partner further highlights the region’s commercial growth in sports media, joining global broadcasters such as SuperSport, beIN Sports, and Canal+.
CAF has set September 19 as the kickoff date for the first preliminary round of both competitions, with the second stage beginning on October 17. Group matches will start on November 21, and the knockout phase will begin on March 13, 2026.
Sports analysts believe the move could solidify Tanzania’s reputation as a rising football hub and open doors for more CAF and FIFA events in the future.
They point to potential economic spin-offs in tourism, hospitality, and media exposure benefits that extend beyond football to Tanzania’s wider sports industry.