Medina United Football Club, the champions of the 2025/26 Gambia Football Federation First Division League, are preparing for their inaugural appearance in the prestigious CAF Champions League. The Gambian club's qualification marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for their historic continental debut. Their participation in Africa's premier club competition follows a successful domestic campaign that saw them secure the top spot in the Gambian league. The team is expected to represent The Gambia on the continental stage later this year.
Continental Draw Details
Medina United Football Club has been drawn against Star Sport Academy of Sierra Leone in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The two clubs will face each other in a home-and-away fixture to determine who advances in the continental competition. The first leg of the preliminary round match will see Medina United FC travel to Sierra Leone. Following the initial encounter, the return leg is scheduled to be hosted by Medina United FC. This decisive second match will take place in The Gambia a few days after the first leg, giving Medina United FC the home advantage for the final determination of the tie.
Path to Champions League
The upcoming fixture against Star Sport Academy represents a historic milestone for Medina United FC, as the club prepares to make its continental debut in the CAF Champions League. This marks the first time the Gambian champions will compete in Africa's premier club competition, following their successful domestic campaign in the 2025/26 Gambia Football Federation First Division League. The club's participation signifies a new chapter for Gambian football on the continental stage. The two-legged tie will commence with Medina United FC traveling to Sierra Leone for the first match, before hosting Star Sport Academy in The Gambia for the decisive return fixture.
Club Expresses Honour
Medina United Football Club officials have expressed profound gratitude and honour regarding their upcoming CAF Champions League debut. The club views its participation as a significant achievement for Gambian football, representing the nation on a continental stage. Medina United FC stated that the opportunity to compete in Africa's premier club competition against Star Sport Academy from Sierra Leone is a moment of immense pride. The club's management also acknowledged the dedication of its players and technical staff, whose efforts secured their historic qualification through the 2025/26 Gambia Football Federation First Division League. They anticipate a challenging but rewarding experience in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
The first leg of Medina United FC's CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Star Sport Academy is scheduled for the first week of September 2026. This inaugural continental match for the Gambian champions will take place in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The fixture marks a significant step for Medina United FC as they begin their campaign in Africa's premier club competition. The team will travel to Sierra Leone for this initial encounter before hosting Star Sport Academy for the return leg in The Gambia. The match in Freetown will set the tone for the two-legged contest, determining which club advances to the next stage of the tournament.