CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw sets up Moroccan showdown and North African rivalries

The road to continental glory has been paved with high-stakes regional rivalries following the official TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw conducted today, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

Held at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters, the ceremony set the stage for a knockout phase dominated by North African powerhouses and historic debutants.

The standout fixture of the round is an all-Moroccan clash between Olympic Safi and Wydad AC. Safi, who secured a historic first-ever quarter-final appearance after finishing second in Group A, face a monumental task against a Wydad side that topped Group B with clinical efficiency.

This “Botola Pro” derby ensures at least one Moroccan representative in the semi-finals but leaves fans with a bittersweet “summit” early in the knockout stages.

Another heavy-hitting regional encounter sees Egypt’s Al Masry drawn against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad. Both teams navigated a grueling group stage, with Al Masry narrowly edging out Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference to advance. This matchup renews the storied footballing rivalry between Egypt and Algeria, promising a high-intensity atmosphere for both legs in March.

Zamalek SC will take on Congolese side AS Otohô. Zamalek, who topped Group D despite a late scare, remain one of the favorites to lift the trophy again, but they face an Otohô side riding a wave of momentum after their own historic qualification.

Completing the quarter-final lineup, DR Congo’s Maniema Union—making their maiden appearance at this stage—will take on former champions USM Alger in a test of experience versus ambition.

The quarter-final first legs are scheduled for 13–15 March 2026, with the return fixtures following a week later on 20–22 March.

CAF also mapped out the semi-final path: the winner of the Safi/Wydad derby will face either Maniema Union or USM Alger, while the victor of the Al Masry/Belouizdad clash will meet the winner of the Otohô/Zamalek series.

With three Egyptian, two Algerian, and two Moroccan clubs in the mix, the 2025/26 season is poised for a dramatic North African finish.