Sudanese side Al Merreikh began the group phase of the African Champions League with a 2:0 victory over El Eulma in Omdurman on Friday night.
El Eulma, who were relegated from Algeria's top flight at the end of May, are one of three Algerian clubs in Group B.
They are joined by USM Alger and reigning champions Entente Setif, with three clubs from the same country featuring in the same group for the first time.
Former winners TP Mazembe of DR Congo and Sudan's Al Hilal are joined by debutants Egypt's Smouha and Moghreb Tetouan of Morocco in Group A.
