By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Nations FC have been paired with Mali’s FC Diarra in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, following the draw conducted by CAF in Cairo. The two-legged tie will mark Nations FC’s debut in continental club competition after their MTN FA Cup triumph last season.
First leg in Bamako, return in Ghana
Nations FC will travel to Bamako for the first leg, scheduled to be played between 4 and 6 September 2026. The return fixture will then be hosted in Ghana between 11 and 13 September, with the winner advancing to the next preliminary round.
Next round already mapped out
If Nations FC overcome FC Diarra, they will face the winner of the tie between Niger’s AS Zam and Togo’s ASKO de Kara in the second preliminary round. Victory in that round would secure a place in the group stage of the Confederation Cup, the second-tier club competition in African football.
Historic debut for the Abrankese club
Nations FC earned their continental ticket by winning the Ghana FA Cup, defeating Dreams FC on penalties in the final. The draw against FC Diarra sets up a challenging but winnable first hurdle as the club aims to make history in its maiden CAF campaign.
