CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals Preview
CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals Preview
The CAF Champions League quarter-finals burst into life tonight, with four heavyweight first-leg clashes set to ignite a thrilling weekend of African football.
The 2025/26 CAF Champions League returns tonight as the quarter-final action continues with two exciting clashes across the continent. 🌍⚽️
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) March 13, 2026
Two big games on the menu:
• Mamelodi Sundowns 𝐯 Stade Malien — 18:00 GMT
• AS FAR 𝐯 Pyramids FC — 22:00 GMT
Sundowns will look to… pic.twitter.com/yNR2ccU5BB
South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Stade Malien to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria tonight, while Moroccan giants FAR Rabat host Pyramids FC at the Stade Olympique de Rabat. Tomorrow night, the drama continues as RSB Berkane face Sudanese side Al Hilal Omdurman at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, before the weekend concludes with a true continental classic between Espérance and Egyptian titans Al Ahly in Tunisia.
Let’s break down the fixtures, analyse the squads, and see what to expect from a huge weekend of CAF Champions League action.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien
MATCHDAY: 💛👆
— Sundowns Xtra (@SundownsXtra_) March 13, 2026
🆚| Stade Malien
🏆| CAF Champions League
🏟| Loftus Versfeld
📅| 13 March 2026
⏰| 20:00 PM
📺| Supersport 204 & SABC 3 pic.twitter.com/GYNJ7eSvtq
The Sundowns welcome Stade Malien to Pretoria for this first-leg fixture. So far this season, the Brazilians have been steady despite major injury setbacks. Currently, the side are second in the South African PSL, and are level on points with first-placed Orlando Pirates. They became the second South African team to win the CAF Champions League back in 2016, and this time round many fans think they could do it again.
🚨𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐖: Big blow for Masandawana!
— Sundowns Xtra (@SundownsXtra_) March 13, 2026
Club sources and coach Miguel Cardoso have confirmed that Morena picked up an ankle issue from a heavy tackle in the recent match against Orbit College. He failed to pass the required medical assessment and is officially ruled out for… pic.twitter.com/XvriaQOoux
The Sundowns will be without their reliable right-back Thapelo Morena this weekend. Featuring 5 times for the side thus far in the competition, Morena has been an ever-present figure. Nonetheless, the return of many reliable players such as attackers Themba Zwane and Nuno Santos means the Brazilians go into this fixture with a strong set of players.
𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝟮 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔
— Bennett Family Vlog (@BennettFamVlog) March 11, 2026
🇲🇱 Stade Malien de Bamako travelled to South Africa yesterday ahead of the CAFCL quarterfinal clash against Sundowns on Friday evening. pic.twitter.com/hBbU8EBlvn
Stade Malien are the only club from Mali in the CAF Champions League this season. Holding the nation'sshopes on their shoulders, they have never won the competition. Their previous games in the competition showed us they have the ability to put up a fight against the big teams.
Make no mistake, very few sides travel to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and leave with a result. The fortress in Pretoria has long been a symbol of Mamelodi Sundowns’ and South Africa's dominance, and with their continental pedigree and star-studded squad, The Brazilians have every credential to go all the way in this year’s CAF Champions League.
However, despite their status as one of Africa’s elite clubs, this encounter may not be entirely smooth sailing for Sundowns.
FAR Rabat vs Pyramids FC
Tonight’s CAF Champions League quarter-final between AS FAR Rabat and Pyramids FC promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the African club season. The clash takes place in Rabat, Morocco, with the Moroccan giants hosting the Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the first leg of a highly anticipated tie.
The North African clash we’ve all been waiting for is here ⚽️🔥
— Vuvuzela.foot (@vvzfoot) March 13, 2026
AS FAR ⚫️🟢🔴 host the title holders Pyramids FC 🔵⚪️ in a rematch of last year’s quarterfinals at Stade Olympique de Rabat 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0slv0HoRyi
AS FAR Rabat are one of Morocco’s most historic and decorated clubs. They play their home matches at the large Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and boast an impressive domestic pedigree, including 13 Moroccan league titles and multiple cup triumphs, as well as continental success such as the CAF Champions League title in 1985. Playing at home in Rabat, they will rely heavily on the intensity of their crowd and disciplined structure.
⚽ Avant AS FAR – Pyramids FC, Alexandre Santos affiche ses ambitions.
— CSPORT (@csport_ma) March 12, 2026
Le coach des Militaires parle d’un moment historique pour le club avant ce quart de finale de Ligue des champions CAF.#ASFAR #PyramidsFC #CAFCL #FootballAfricain pic.twitter.com/Au4NIKB5U5
Then there's Pyramids FC, a club representing Egyptian football. Based in Cairo, Pyramids have risen dramatically over the last decade thanks to significant investment and a recruitment strategy that has attracted top domestic and international talent. Their rise has been swift, going from relative obscurity to competing with the traditional Egyptian powerhouses such as Al Ahly. Their recent form in this season’s CAF Champions League has been particularly impressive.
From a tactical perspective, this match could be fascinating. FAR Rabat are likely to approach the game with structured defensive lines and quick counter-attacking bursts, hoping to exploit any space behind Pyramids’ advanced midfield. Pyramids, by contrast, tend to dominate possession and press high, utilising technically gifted players and pace in wide areas to stretch opposition defences. For the Egyptian side, attacking stars and creative midfielders will be crucial in breaking down FAR’s disciplined structure, while their defensive line will need to remain alert to Morocco’s rapid transitions.
Ultimately, AS FAR Rabat may gain the upper hand in the first leg owing to their home advantage, but as we all know with football, nothing is ever straightforward.
RSB Berkane vs Al Hilal Omdurman
RSB Berkane have become one of North Africa’s most respected clubs in recent years. Known for their iconic orange kits and passionate home support, Berkane have built a strong reputation in African competitions over the last decade. They enter this match in strong form, with a solid Champions League campaign that has produced five wins from ten matches and a consistent scoring record. Their attacking line is spearheaded by Moroccan forward Youssef Mehri, whose goals and movement have been crucial, while full-back Hamza El Moussaoui provides creativity from deeper areas.
Paul Bassène x2 + Youssef Mehri x1 = 3 for RS Berkane. ⚽️⚽️⚽️#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/OWNmMA55Hu
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 18, 2026
Sudanese outlet Al-Hilal Omdurman are one of the most historic clubs in African football. The club has long been a dominant force domestically and a frequent presence in continental competitions. This season they have been particularly impressive in the Champions League, recording six wins, three draws and just one defeat. Their midfield is led by the influential Abdelrazig Omer who has been one of the competition's standout performers this season.
CAF Champions League | Matchday 3 – Player of the Round!!!
— Africa Soccer Zone (@AfricaSoccer_zn) January 27, 2026
Abdelrazig Omer (Al Hilal) ⭐️
A stunning brace in Pretoria against Mamelodi Sundowns earns him Player of the Round. pic.twitter.com/6zRasGXzKJ
Tactically, the match could be finely balanced. Berkane tend to rely on structured possession and the intensity of their home crowd, while Al-Hilal often thrive on organisation and quick transitions. With Berkane boasting strong home form and Al-Hilal proving resilient on the road, the tie sets up as a classic CAF Champions League encounter with a semi-final place potentially hanging in the balance.
Espérance vs Al Ahly
Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Al Ahly SC is one of African football’s most iconic rivalries. The match will be played in Tunis, where the Tunisian giants will host the Egyptian powerhouse in another chapter of a rivalry that has defined the modern CAF Champions League era. The two clubs have faced each other more than twenty times in the competition, with Al Ahly historically holding the advantage with 11 wins compared to Espérance’s four, highlighting just how fiercely contested this fixture has been over the decades.
One of the most successful clubs in North African football, Espérance have built a reputation for having a passionate home atmosphere. The club has won the CAF Champions League multiple times and famously defeated Al Ahly in the 2018 final, completing a dramatic comeback to secure continental glory. Playing at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi, Espérance rely on a high-energy pressing style and quick wide attacks. Malian striker Aboubacar Diakité is the side's top scorer this season in the competion, and at just 19-years old, he provides Espérance with clincal output.
Already 4 #CAFCL goals this season for Espérance 19-year-old striker Aboubacar Diakité..Made lots of progress in front of the net. pic.twitter.com/AD3cBgMuib
— Lütfý Ybraýymowiç Berdiwädabekow (@LotfiWada) February 1, 2026
Al Ahly, widely regarded as the most successful club in African football history and a dominant force in the Champions League stand in the way. Based in Cairo, the club has built its legacy on consistency, tactical discipline and an ability to perform in high-pressure continental matches. Their pedigree was again demonstrated when they defeated Espérance in the 2024 CAF Champions League final, underlining their continued dominance in African club football. Players such as Trézéguet, the competiton's top scorer, could be the difference maker for the Egyptian side.
2-1 | GOOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!! TREZEGUET!!!! TREZEGUET!!!!! TREZEGUET!!!!!! AL AHLY TAKES THE LEAD!!!!! FROM THE PENALTY SPOT!!!! 🔴🔴🔥🔥🦅🦅🦅🦅🤯🤯🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/779XNKOzRt
— Ayabonga Mthembu (@AyabongaMthemb_) September 29, 2025
Tactically, this clash will be a strategic chess match. Espérance will likely try to impose tempo through possession and crowd energy, while Al Ahly tend to excel in controlling big games and striking through quick transitions. With both clubs among Africa’s most decorated sides and a deep history of dramatic encounters, tomorrow night’s meeting promises another intense North African classic in the CAF Champions League.
Who Reaches The Semi-Finals?
As the CAF Champions League quarter-finals burst into life, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in African football’s premier club competition. On paper, Mamelodi Sundowns, RSB Berkane, Pyramids FC, and Al Ahly look best placed to navigate their ties and book their spots in the semi-finals. Each side boasts quality, experience, and the kind of continental pedigree needed to survive the pressure of knockout football.
Quarterfinals kick-off tonight! 🔥
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 13, 2026
Who are you rooting for in South Africa? 👀#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/GqYKJqLc7z
However, if there’s one thing history has taught us, it’s that nothing in the CAF Champions League is ever straightforward. From hostile away atmospheres to last-minute drama, this competition thrives on the unexpected. So buckle up, grab the popcorn, and get ready, because African football’s biggest club stage rarely follows the script.
Harry Pascoe 
Joe Ryan 
