Sports

2025-2026 CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals Draw Confirmed

Published February 17, 2026 at 4:34 PM

The road to continental glory took clearer shape on Tuesday after the CAF Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw was conducted in Cairo.

South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a tie against Mali’s Stade Malien, while defending champions Pyramids will lock horns with Morocco’s FAR Rabat in a repeat of last season’s last-eight meeting.

Twelve-time African champions Al Ahly are set to renew their long-running rivalry with Tunisian giants Esperance. Meanwhile, Moroccan debutants Renaissance Berkane will test themselves against Sudan’s Al Hilal, who are competing in Africa’s elite club competition for a record 39th time.

The first legs of the quarter-finals will be played on March 13 and 14, with the return fixtures slated for March 20 and 21. Semi-final ties are scheduled for April 10 and 11 for the first legs, and April 17 and 18 for the second legs. The final will unfold over two legs on May 15 and May 24.

For Stade Malien, this campaign already carries historic weight. After 19 unsuccessful attempts to reach the group stage, the Bamako-based side finally broke through and went on to top a section many expected Esperance to dominate.

Sundowns’ route has been less straightforward. The former champions endured four group matches without a win before Colombian forward Brayan Leon struck twice in a decisive final-round victory over Mouloudia Alger to secure progression.

Pyramids, who lifted the trophy last season in only their second appearance, boast the strongest numbers among the remaining sides with eight wins and two draws.

Their consistency has come despite a dip in form from Congolese striker Mahmoud Mayele, last season’s top scorer with nine goals, who failed to find the net in six group outings.

Al Ahly, unbeaten in this campaign, have leaned on the experience of former Aston Villa striker Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan, who has scored five times.

Esperance, winners of just two of their six group matches, have responded by replacing coach Maher Kanzari with Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle as they seek renewed momentum.

Due to the ongoing civil unrest in Sudan, Al Hilal will stage their home second leg in Rwanda. Berkane, three-time CAF Confederation Cup winners, have found the step up demanding, conceding 10 goals in the group stage, the highest tally among the quarter-finalists.