Champions League: The 3 must-watch fixtures of matchday 3

The CAF Champions League, Africa’s premier club football competition, is heating up as teams battle for a place in the knockout stages. Following recent results that saw Al Ahly defeat Young Africans and Mamelodi Sundowns draw with Al-Hilal, matchday 3 promises a series of compelling clashes this weekend.

Three Fixtures to Watch

JS Kabylie – AS FAR

A politically charged encounter is set to unfold in Tizi-Ouzou on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 16:00 GMT. JS Kabylie will host AS FAR in a match carrying weight beyond the pitch, given recent tensions between Algeria and Morocco during the AFCON. JS Kabylie’s management extended a welcoming gesture to the Moroccan delegation, greeting them with flowers upon arrival at Algiers International Airport. Fair play will be paramount in this high-stakes showdown.

Did You Know? The match between JS Kabylie and AS FAR represents a continuation of a rivalry extending beyond the football field, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics between Algeria and Morocco.

RS Berkane – Pyramids

Group A’s top two teams, RS Berkane and Pyramids, will face off this Saturday at 19:00 GMT in a battle for outright leadership. Both teams have secured maximum points from their first two matches. This contest is a rematch of previous encounters: RS Berkane defeated Pyramids 0-1 in the 2020 CAF Confederation Cup final, while Pyramids gained revenge with a 1-0 victory in the 2025 African Super Cup.

ES Tunis – Simba SC

Espérance Sportive de Tunis faces mounting pressure to secure a win against Simba SC on Saturday at 16:00 GMT. Playing at Rades in front of their home supporters, the “Blood and Gold” need a victory to reignite their campaign in Group D, having earned only two points from their opening two games. Simba SC is also desperate for points, having lost both their previous matches to Petro Luanda and Stade Malien.

Expert Insight: The pressure on both Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Simba SC highlights the unforgiving nature of the Champions League group stage, where early setbacks can quickly jeopardize a team’s chances of progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the JS Kabylie – AS FAR match?

The match is significant due to the recent tensions between Algeria and Morocco during the AFCON, adding a layer of political weight to the sporting contest.

Which teams are currently leading Group A?

RS Berkane and Pyramids are currently leading Group A, both having secured maximum points from their first two matches.

What is at stake for Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Simba SC?

Both teams are under pressure to win to revive their campaigns in Group D, with Espérance Sportive de Tunis needing a victory to regain momentum and Simba SC seeking their first points in the competition.

Which of these upcoming Champions League fixtures do you anticipate will be the most tactically intriguing, and why?