The 2018-2019 CAF Confederation Cup reaches a critical stage this week as the second legs of the quarter-finals are set to take place. Following tightly contested first-leg encounters, the remaining eight teams now face decisive matches that will determine who advances to the semi-finals of Africa’s secondary club competition. Each fixture promises drama, intensity, and high stakes as clubs aim to continue their continental campaigns.
Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia heads into their second-leg clash with Nkana FC of Zambia seeking redemption. The Sfaxiens suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat away in the first leg, leaving them with the task of overturning the deficit at home. Playing in front of their passionate supporters, Sfaxien will look to impose their rhythm and exploit any weaknesses in the Nkana defense. The Tunisian side knows that a strong start is crucial, as conceding an away goal could make their mission even more difficult. With home advantage and an experienced squad, Sfaxien will be motivated to reverse the tie and book their place in the semi-finals. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM GMT.
RS Berkane of Morocco will enter their second-leg tie against Gor Mahia of Kenya with confidence after a commanding 2-0 victory in Nairobi last week. The Moroccan side has established a comfortable lead, giving them the upper hand heading into the return leg at home. While the Red Eagles cannot afford to be complacent, their strong performance in the first leg suggests that they are well-prepared to manage the match and secure progression to the semi-finals. Berkane’s tactical discipline and attacking efficiency will be key, as they aim to build on their first-leg advantage in front of their fans. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM GMT.
Egyptian giants Zamalek also approach their second-leg quarter-final with a favorable position. Having held Hassania Agadir of Morocco to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, the White Knights now have everything to play for at home. Zamalek will be looking to assert dominance early and take full advantage of playing in Cairo. With a strong squad and home support, the Egyptians will aim to convert the stalemate into a decisive victory, ensuring that they advance to the semi-finals. Their match is also scheduled for 7:00 PM GMT.
The fourth fixture between Al Hilal of Sudan and Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia has been postponed due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Originally scheduled to take place in Omdurman, the match has been relocated to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will now be played on Monday, April 22nd. Both sides will need to adapt to the new venue while preparing for what is expected to be a challenging and pivotal encounter in the quarter-finals.
As the second legs unfold, fans across Africa can expect thrilling contests, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance. With semi-final spots on the line, every goal will be crucial, and teams will be pushing to secure their place in the next stage of the competition.
Quarter-final second-leg schedule (time in GMT):
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4:00 PM: Club Sportif Sfaxien – Nkana (first leg 1-2)
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7:00 PM: RS Berkane – Gor Mahia (first leg 2-0)
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7:00 PM: Zamalek – Hassania Agadir (first leg 0-0)
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Monday, April 22: Al Hilal – Étoile Sportive du Sahel (rescheduled, venue: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
With the stakes higher than ever, the Confederation Cup quarter-finals promise drama, excitement, and unforgettable African football moments.
