Top 10 Most Successful CAF Champions League Clubs in History

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League is the pinnacle of club football in Africa. Established in 1964 as the African Cup of Champions Clubs and later renamed in 1997, the competition has grown to be the absolute test of continental superiority amongst professional African football clubs. It is not just a battle for continental silverware; it is a platform where history is written, dynasties are built, and national pride is promoted on the biggest stage.

For 62 years, some clubs have come out superior to others; through consistency, resilience, and bursts of brilliance, they've controlled the history of the competition.

Ranging from the golden days of West Africa through to the continued lordship of North Africa, here are the top ten most successful clubs in CAF Champions League history, ranked by the number of titles.

10. Enyimba Football Club (Nigeria)

Titles: 2
Years Won: 2003, 2004

Enyimba, famously known as the People’s Elephant, became the first Nigerian club to conquer Africa when they won back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004.

In 2003, they defeated Ismaily SC 2–1 on aggregate, winning 2–0 in Aba before narrowly losing 1–0 in Egypt. They defended their crown in 2004 against Étoile du Sahel, drawing 3–3 on aggregate before winning 5–3 on penalties in Abuja.

Under Kadiri Ikhana, Enyimba relied on defensive solidity and tactical discipline. Those victories shifted Nigeria’s continental status at a time when North African clubs dominated. Today, however, the People’s Elephant sit 13th domestically, with continental qualification looking distant.

9. Entente Sportive de Sétif (Algeria)

Titles: 2

Years Won: 1988, 2014

ES Sétif, nicknamed the Black Eagles, are a symbol of endurance. Their first crown came in 1988, defeating Iwuanyanwu Nationale 1–0 on aggregate after a decisive home win in Sétif. Guided by Abdelhamid Kermali, they built success on defensive structure.

Twenty-six years later, they reclaimed the trophy in 2014 against AS Vita Club, drawing 3–3 on aggregate but lifting the title on away goals (2–2 in Kinshasa, 1–1 in Blida) under Kheïreddine Madoui.

Few clubs have bridged generations so effectively in continental football.

8. Hafia Football Club (Guinea)

Titles: 3
Years Won: 1972, 1975, 1977

Hafia dominated the 1970s. Led by stars like Chérif Souleymane, they claimed titles in 1972 (vs Simba FC), 1975 (vs Enugu Rangers), and 1977 (vs Hearts of Oak).

Their triumphs came under coaches László Budai, Petre Moldoveanu, Boubacar Fofana, and Nabi Camara.

Though recently eliminated in the preliminary stage of the 2024/25 campaign, Hafia remain competitive domestically, sitting fourth and chasing league leaders Milo F.C.

7. Canon Sportif de Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Titles: 3
Years Won: 1971, 1978, 1980

Canon de Yaoundé were central to Cameroon’s rise in African football. Their three titles across the 1970's laid foundations for the country’s global emergence. Though currently eighth in Elite One, their continental pedigree remains unmatched in Central Africa.

6. Raja Club Athletic (Morocco)

Titles: 3
Years Won: 1989, 1997, 1999

In 1989, they beat MC Oran of Algeria in the final (two-leg aggregate victory) to claim the title; in 1997, they defeated Obuasi Goldfields SC of Ghana over two legs, winning on penalties after a 1–1 aggregate draw with the second leg at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca; and in 1999, they overcame Espérance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia in a goalless two-leg final, winning 4–3 on penalties with the first leg at Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca and the second at Stade El Menzah in Tunis.

These triumphs were achieved under coaches including Oscar Fulloné (1999) and others from the club’s successful periods in the late 1980s and 1990s.

5. Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)

Titles: 3
Years Won: 1992, 2017, 2022

Wydad’s titles reflect both legacy and modern resurgence. Their 2017 and 2022 triumphs confirmed Morocco’s growing influence in CAF competition.

Currently tied on 20 points in Botola Pro 1 despite two games in hand, Wydad are pushing for domestic momentum after missing the 2024/25 continental campaign.

Disciplined defensively and clinical in transitions, the Red Castle remain one of the most tactically reliable sides in North Africa.

4. Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)

Titles: 4
Years Won: 1994, 2011, 2018, 2019

Espérance Sportive de Tunis, founded on 15th January 1919, has been crowned CAF Champions League winners 4 times. The 2018 and 2019 back-to-back victories proved the club has depth, organization, and efficient long-term management.

3. Zamalek Sporting Club (Egypt)

Titles: 5
Years Won: 1984, 1986, 1993, 1996, 2002

Zamalek Sporting Club, the White Knights, has been a pillar of Egyptian and African football. Amidst stiff competition, they earned 5 titles. Their historic rivalry with Al Ahly has characterised the CAF Champions League. Though post-1990s inconsistency has hindered dominance, they remain a permanent continental contender.

Currently, Zamalek are placed second in the Egyptian Premier League, aiming to win the league this season while maintaining their continental presence

2. Tout-Puissant Mazembe (DR Congo)

Titles: 5
Years Won: 1967, 1968, 2009, 2010, 2015

TP Mazembe’s consecutive wins in 2009 and 2010 heralded a remarkable comeback. Participation in the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup final elevated their continental and international profile. Their legacy spans generations, blending tradition with modern ambition.

1. Al Ahly Sporting Club (Egypt)

Titles: 12 (Record)
Years Won: 1982, 1987, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2022–23, 2023–24

At the summit of African club football sits Al Ahly, the Red Devils, whose 12 CAF Champions League titles far outstrip any rival. Their most recent triumphs have come in the modern era, underlining unrivalled tactical discipline and squad depth. In the 2025–26 season, Al Ahly progressed to the CAF Champions League group stage with a narrow aggregate win over Aigle Noir and currently sit 4th in the Egyptian Premier League standings midway through the campaign.

A Legacy of Continental Greatness

The historical dominance outlined above is not confined to the past, it continues to shape today’s continental landscape. Clubs like Al Ahly, Espérance, and Wydad are not just former champions; they remain active contenders, influencing current league tables and CAF group-stage battles.

Their sustained presence reflects institutional depth, tactical continuity, and financial stability, standards newer challengers still strive to match. The resurgence of traditional giants and emergence of ambitious projects across Africa signal a shifting competitive balance. As domestic title races intensify and qualification spots tighten, these historical benchmarks serve as both motivation and pressure.

In modern African football, legacy is no longer protection, it is expectation.