The race for the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League 2025/26 reaches a decisive stage this weekend, with four quarter-final second-leg matches set to determine the final four teams in Africa’s premier club competition.
Following a thrilling first-leg round, all eight teams remain in contention, although South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns hold a commanding advantage after their dominant 3-0 victory over Stade Malien in Pretoria.
The South African champions will travel to Mali looking to protect their three-goal cushion as they aim to secure a third successive semi-final appearance. Despite the deficit, Stade Malien will rely on home support as they attempt a significant comeback to keep their continental ambitions alive.
Elsewhere, the remaining three ties are delicately poised, promising high drama across the continent.
Defending champions Pyramids FC return to Cairo after securing a valuable 1-1 draw away to Morocco’s AS FAR in Rabat. The Egyptian side will look to capitalise on home advantage, while the Moroccan club remains firmly in contention and will be confident of overturning the tie.
One of the standout fixtures sees record champions Al Ahly host Tunisia’s Esperance in Cairo. Esperance hold a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Rades, but Al Ahly’s formidable home record in continental competitions ensures that the tie remains wide open.
The clash between the two North African giants is expected to deliver another intense chapter in one of African football’s most celebrated rivalries, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
In another closely contested encounter, Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman face Morocco’s RS Berkane after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. With little separating the two sides, the second leg promises a tightly fought battle as both teams seek to advance.
The first-leg matches highlighted the competitiveness and quality of this season’s knockout phase, with clubs from across the continent still dreaming of continental glory.
The winners of the quarter-final ties will progress to the semi-finals scheduled for April, where the stakes will be raised further in the pursuit of the prestigious CAF Champions League trophy.
With one tie favouring Sundowns and the other three finely balanced, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the quarter-final round.
Quarter-final second-leg fixtures (All times in GMT)
Saturday, 21 March;
16:00 – Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs AS FAR (Morocco)
19:00 – Al Ahly SC (Egypt) vs Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)
Sunday, 22 March;
16:00 – Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan) vs RS Berkane (Morocco)
16:00 – Stade Malien (Mali) vs Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Courtesy of CafOnline.
