The quarter-finals of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup witnessed several surprises, which will undoubtedly influence the semi-finals. The draw has now been conducted, and the matchups promise dramatic encounters between Africa’s biggest clubs.
CAF Champions League Semi-Final Draw
In the Champions League, defending champions Pyramids FC and most decorated club Al Ahly were both eliminated in stunning fashion. Their exits reshaped the semi-final landscape, opening the door for less traditional continental powerhouses.
The Champions League semi-finalists are:
- Espérance Sportive de Tunis vs FAR Rabat
- RS Berkane vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Espérance, the 2019 champions, bring vast continental experience to their tie against FAR Rabat. The Moroccan military club has been the surprise package of the tournament, and their disciplined defensive approach could make them a difficult opponent over two legs.
RS Berkane face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who are perennial contenders but have struggled to convert domestic dominance into continental glory. The Brazilians’ investment in their squad makes them slight favorites, but Berkane’s resilience in knockout football cannot be underestimated.
CAF Confederation Cup Semi-Final Draw
The biggest upset of the Confederation Cup was the elimination of star-studded Wydad Casablanca by Olympique Safi, a relatively modest Moroccan club that has punched well above its weight throughout the campaign.
The Confederation Cup semi-finalists are:
- Zamalek SC vs Olympique Safi
- Stade Malien vs Renaissance Sportive de Berkane
Zamalek, Egypt’s second-most successful club, will fancy their chances against Safi despite the Moroccan side’s impressive form. The White Knights have deep experience in continental competition and will look to reach another Confederation Cup final.
Key Storylines to Watch
The absence of Al Ahly and Pyramids from the Champions League semi-finals marks a historic moment for Egyptian club football. For the first time in years, no Egyptian club features in the last four of Africa’s premier club competition.
North African dominance is the defining theme, with Tunisian, Moroccan, and Egyptian clubs making up the majority of the remaining contenders across both tournaments. South African representation through Sundowns keeps the geographical balance, but the power centre of African club football clearly lies in the north.
The semi-final first legs are scheduled for the coming weeks, with the finals set to cap what has been one of the most unpredictable continental campaigns in recent memory.
Road to the Final: What Each Club Needs
For Espérance de Tunis, the key will be their experience in big continental matches. The Tunisian club has reached multiple CAF Champions League finals and knows how to manage the pressure of two-legged semi-final ties. Their Radès stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in African football, giving them a significant home advantage.
Mamelodi Sundowns bring financial muscle and squad depth that few African clubs can match. The South African champions have invested heavily in both domestic and continental success, and reaching the Champions League final would validate a multi-year project aimed at making Sundowns a permanent fixture in Africa’s elite.
For Zamalek in the Confederation Cup, the target is clear: add another continental trophy to their collection and restore Egyptian pride after Al Ahly’s early Champions League exit. The White Knights will carry the expectations of Egyptian football on their shoulders.
