The CAF Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals draw produced exciting matchups for African club football fans. Former champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were drawn against surprise package Stade Malien of Mali, while defending champions Pyramids of Egypt will face FAR Rabat of Morocco in a repeat of last season’s last-eight clash.
Record 12-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt will renew their historic rivalry with Esperance of Tunisia. Meanwhile, Moroccan debutants Renaissance Berkane will meet Al Hilal of Sudan, who are appearing in the competition for a record 39th time. Due to civil unrest in Sudan, Al Hilal will host their second-leg match in Rwanda.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for March 13-21, semi-finals in April, and the two-legged final set for May 15 and 24. Malien, after 19 failed attempts to reach the group stage, topped their section to reach the knockouts, while Sundowns needed a last-round win against Mouloudia Alger of Algeria to progress. Pyramids boast the strongest record this season with eight wins and two draws, despite a goal drought from last season’s top scorer Mahmoud Mayele.
CAF Champions League Draw Recap:
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)
Semi-finals:
Esperance or Ahly vs Sundowns or Malien
FAR or Pyramids vs Berkane or Hilal
Final:
First leg: May 15
Second leg: May 24
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