CAF Champions League: Quarter-final ties set for decisive second-leg encounters

The race for a place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals will be settled this weekend, as four quarter-final ties reach their decisive second-leg encounters across the continent.

Clubs from Egypt, Mali and Morocco are preparing to host crucial matches, with each fixture finely balanced and carrying high stakes after closely fought first-leg results.

Saturday’s action centres on Egypt, where two of the country’s leading sides will look to capitalise on home advantage.

Pyramids FC, the reigning champions, face Morocco’s AS FAR in what promises to be a tightly contested North African derby after the first leg ended in a draw.

With no clear advantage established, both sides head into the return leg knowing that a single moment could decide the outcome.

Later the same day, record CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly face a more challenging task as they attempt to overturn a first-leg defeat against Espérance de Tunis.

The Cairo-based club must recover from that loss in what is expected to be a tense encounter, compounded by the absence of their supporters.

The remaining two semi-final spots will be determined on Sunday.

Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Bamako with a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg against Stade Malien. While the South African side appear well placed to progress, caution will remain essential to avoid any unexpected comeback from their hosts.

Meanwhile, RS Berkane continue their pursuit of a memorable debut campaign in the competition.

The Moroccan side, fresh from winning the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup, are level with Sudan’s Al Hilal following a drawn first leg.

With ambitions of extending their impressive run, Berkane will aim to secure victory and advance to the semi-finals.

With all four ties still open to varying degrees, the weekend’s fixtures are expected to deliver high tension and decisive moments as the continent’s top clubs compete for a place in the last four.