The CAF Champions League is one of Africa’s most prestigious football tournaments, bringing together the continent’s best clubs to battle for continental supremacy. Since its inception in 1964, the competition has witnessed incredible performances, unforgettable matches, and historic achievements. In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the CAF Champions League, focusing on the list of all-time winners and runner-ups, showcasing the teams that have left a mark on the history of African football.
What is the CAF Champions League?
The CAF Champions League, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is the premier club competition in African football. It features the top clubs from across Africa, who compete for the coveted title, earning the right to represent the continent at the FIFA Club World Cup. Over the years, the tournament has grown in stature, becoming a symbol of excellence in African club football.
CAF Champions League: Winners and Runner-Ups – All-Time List
As of 2025, there have been a total of 59 editions of the CAF Champions League, with a host of African clubs writing their names in the annals of football history. Below is an extensive list of the top 10 winners and runner-ups in the competition’s history:
CAF Champions League Winners:
Joint 9th. Asec Mimosas (Ivory Coast) – 1 Title Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast won the CAF Champions League in 1998, making their mark on African football. Their success helped raise the profile of Ivorian football and paved the way for more clubs from Ivory Coast to compete in continental competitions.
Club Africain (Tunisia) – 1 Title Tunisian football powerhouse Club Africain claimed the CAF Champions League title in 1991. Their victory was a proud moment for Tunisian football, representing the country on the continental stage.
8. Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) – 1 Title Kaizer Chiefs have achieved remarkable success in the CAF Champions League, winning the competition once in 2021. Their victory marked a significant moment in South African football and placed them among the continent’s elite.
7. Al Merrikh SC (Sudan) – 1 Title Al Merrikh, although relatively under the radar compared to some of the other top clubs, managed to win the CAF Champions League in 2000. Their achievement remains one of the most significant moments in Sudanese football history.
6. Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) – 2 Titles Wydad Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most successful clubs, having won the CAF Champions League on two occasions. Their victories came in 1992 and 2017, showcasing their consistency and ability to compete at the highest level.
5. Entente Sportive de Setif (Algeria) – 2 Titles With 2 titles in the CAF Champions League, ES Setif has been one of the top clubs in North African football. Their victories in 1988 and 2014 showcase their ability to compete with the continent’s best.
4. Raja Casablanca (Morocco) – 3 Titles Raja Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most decorated clubs, has won the CAF Champions League three times. Their triumphs in 1989, 1997, and 1999 have solidified their place as one of Africa’s top footballing institutions.
3. TP Mazembe (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – 5 Titles TP Mazembe is one of Africa’s most successful clubs, with 5 titles to their name. The Congolese team made history in 2010 when they became the first African club to reach the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing their strength on the global stage.
2. Zamalek SC (Egypt) – 5 Titles Zamalek is another Egyptian powerhouse, boasting 5 titles in the CAF Champions League. Their most recent win came in 2002, and they have always been a formidable opponent in African football, regularly competing in the latter stages of the tournament.
1. Al Ahly SC (Egypt) – 10 Titles Al Ahly, often referred to as the “Club of the Century” in Africa, is the most successful team in the history of the CAF Champions League. With a record 10 titles to their name, they have set the standard for African football success. Their most recent triumph came in 2021, further cementing their dominance on the continent.
CAF Champions League: Runner-Ups
Joint9th. Wydad Casablanca – 1 Runner-Up Finish Wydad Casablanca’s run to the final in 2011 ended in second place, a testament to their status as one of Morocco’s top footballing institutions.
Kaizer Chiefs – 1 Runner-Up Finish Kaizer Chiefs reached the final in 2021 but lost out, finishing as runners-up in their bid to win the CAF Champions League.
8. Club Africain – 1 Runner-Up Finish Club Africain also finished as runners-up once in the competition’s history, adding to their remarkable achievements in African club football.
7. Al Merrikh SC – 1 Runner-Up Finish Al Merrikh reached the final in 2001 but fell short, finishing as runners-up in the CAF Champions League.
6. Coton Sport Garoua (Cameroon) – 2 Runner-Up Finishes Coton Sport Garoua has reached the final of the CAF Champions League twice, finishing as runners-up both times. Their performances have been a source of pride for Cameroonian football.
5. Raja Casablanca – 2 Runner-Up Finishes In addition to their 3 victories, Raja Casablanca has finished as runners-up on 2 occasions, underlining their consistency at the top level of African club football.
4. Esperance Tunis (Tunisia) – 3 Runner-Up Finishes Esperance Tunis has also reached the final of the CAF Champions League on multiple occasions, finishing as runners-up 3 times in the club’s storied history.
3. TP Mazembe – 3 Runner-Up Finishes The Congolese giants have finished as runners-up 3 times in the CAF Champions League, demonstrating their continued relevance in the tournament and their ability to reach the final.
2. Zamalek SC – 4 Runner-Up Finishes Zamalek, despite their 5 titles, has also finished as runners-up on 4 occasions, further emphasizing their competitive nature and perennial presence in the final stages of the tournament.
1. Al Ahly SC – 5 Runner-Up Finishes While Al Ahly boasts the most titles, they also hold the record for the most runner-up finishes, with 5 second-place finishes. This shows the club’s consistent dominance in African football over the years.
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Conclusion
The CAF Champions League has produced unforgettable moments and showcased some of Africa’s best footballing talent. The clubs mentioned in this post are part of the rich history and legacy of the competition, contributing to the evolution of African football. With top clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and TP Mazembe dominating the tournament, the next chapter of the CAF Champions League is sure to be filled with more thrilling action and fierce competition for the coveted trophy.
By looking back at the past winners and runner-ups, we gain a deeper understanding of the teams and players that have helped shape African football into the global force it is today. Keep an eye on future editions of the CAF Champions League as new champions emerge, and old giants continue to fight for supremacy.
