The CAF Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals fixtures have been drawn in Cairo, setting up a thrilling knockout stage featuring Africa’s top club sides.
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, former champions, will face surprise package Stade Malien of Mali, while defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt meet FAR Rabat of Morocco in a repeat of last season’s quarter-final clash.
Record 12-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt are set to renew their decades-old rivalry with Esperance de Tunis of Tunisia, one of the tournament’s perennial challengers. Meanwhile, Moroccan debutants Renaissance Berkane take on Al Hilal of Sudan, who are competing in the premier African club competition for a record 39th time.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for March 13-14 (1st legs) and March 20-21 (2nd legs), with the semi-finals following in April 10-11 and April 17-18, and the final slated for May 15 and May 24.
Malien, making history after 19 failed attempts to reach the group stage, topped their group, shocking four-time champions Esperance. Sundowns advanced despite a poor group run, thanks to a brace from Colombian striker Brayan Leon against Mouloudia Alger.
Pyramids, in only their second Champions League appearance, boast the most impressive record among contenders this season with eight wins and two draws, despite Congolese striker Mahmoud Mayele failing to score in six group matches.
Al Ahly striker Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan has netted five goals, helping the Cairo Red Devils remain unbeaten, while Esperance replaced coach Maher Kanzari with French tactician Patrice Beaumelle after a rocky group stage.
Al Hilal will host their second leg in Rwanda due to the civil war in Sudan, and Renaissance Berkane enter the knockouts having conceded 10 goals, the most among all survivors.
CAF Champions League Fixtures
Quarter-finals:
- Renaissance Berkane (MAR) vs Al Hilal (SUD)
- Esperance (TUN) vs Al Ahly (EGY)
- Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
- FAR Rabat (MAR) vs Pyramids (EGY, holders)
Semi-finals:
- Winner Esperance/Ahly vs Winner Sundowns/Malien
- Winner FAR/Pyramids vs Winner Berkane/Hilal
Final:
- 1st leg: May 15
- 2nd leg: May 24
