CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Draw Unveiled
Last update: February 17, 2026
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2025–2026 CAF Champions League quarter-final draw produces high-profile clashes...
The path to continental glory became clearer on Tuesday as the draw for the 2025–2026 CAF Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals was conducted in Cairo.
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns will face Mali’s Stade Malien, while defending champions Pyramids FC take on Morocco’s FAR Rabat in a repeat of last season’s quarter-final clash.
Record 12-time champions Al Ahly are set to rekindle their fierce rivalry with Tunisian powerhouse Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
Meanwhile, Moroccan debutants Renaissance Berkane will battle Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman, who are featuring in Africa’s elite club competition for a record 39th time.
CBI News reports that the quarter-final first legs are scheduled for March 13 and 14, with return fixtures on March 20 and 21.
Semi-final first legs will take place on April 10 and 11, followed by second legs on April 17 and 18. The two-legged final is set for May 15 and May 24.
For Stade Malien, the campaign already marks a historic breakthrough.
After 19 failed attempts to reach the group stage, the Bamako-based side finally progressed and went on to top a group many had tipped Esperance to dominate.
Sundowns endured a challenging group phase, going four matches without a win before Colombian striker Brayan Leon scored twice in a decisive final-round victory over Mouloudia Alger to seal qualification.
Pyramids enter the knockout stage with the strongest record among the remaining teams, boasting eight wins and two draws.
Their impressive run has come despite a goal drought from Congolese forward Mahmoud Mayele, last season’s top scorer with nine goals, who failed to score in six group matches this term.
Al Ahly remain unbeaten in the competition and have relied on the experience of former Aston Villa forward Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan, who has netted five goals so far.
Esperance, who managed only two wins in six group games, have responded by replacing coach Maher Kanzari with French tactician Patrice Beaumelle in a bid to regain momentum.
Due to ongoing civil unrest in Sudan, Al Hilal will host their home second leg in Rwanda.
Berkane, three-time CAF Confederation Cup winners, have found the step up to the Champions League demanding, conceding 10 goals in the group stage the highest among the quarter-finalists.
Quarter-finals
- Renaissance Berkane (MAR) v Al Hilal (SUD)
- Esperance (TUN) v Al Ahly (EGY)
- Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) v Stade Malien (MLI)
- FAR Rabat (MAR) v Pyramids (EGY, holders)
Semi-finals
- Esperance or Al Ahly v Sundowns or Stade Malien
- FAR Rabat or Pyramids v Berkane or Al Hilal
Final
- 1st leg: May 15
- 2nd leg: May 24
