The CAF Champions League group stage concluded after the sixth and final matchday, and the verdict is now official: the quarter-finalists for the 2018–2019 edition have been confirmed. As expected, the competition’s traditional heavyweights successfully navigated the group phase and booked their places in the knockout rounds, confirming their status as favorites for the title.
In Group B, Horoya AC delivered when it mattered most. The Guinean champions, who only needed a draw to qualify, went one step further by defeating Orlando Pirates 2–1 in Conakry. Backed by their passionate home crowd, Horoya showed composure and efficiency to claim the second qualifying spot behind Espérance de Tunis. The Tunisian giants, already assured of progression, finished their campaign in style by beating FC Platinum 2–1 away in Zimbabwe, completing the group stage unbeaten.
Group A also provided clarity on the final day. At the Mohammed V Stadium, Wydad Athletic Club secured a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns. Mohamed Nahiri’s decisive goal allowed the Moroccan champions to finish level on points with their South African opponents. Despite the defeat, Sundowns had already done enough to qualify, meaning both clubs progressed to the quarter-finals. Elsewhere in the group, Nigeria’s Lobi Stars closed their campaign with a 2–0 win over ASEC Mimosas, but it was not enough to change the final standings.
In Group D, Simba SC sealed their qualification thanks to a hard-fought 2–1 victory over AS Vita Club in Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian champions showed resilience and determination to edge past the Congolese side and claim second place behind Al Ahly. The Egyptian powerhouse confirmed their dominance with a convincing 3–0 win over JS Saoura, finishing top of the group with authority and sending a strong message to their future opponents.
Group C delivered the most dramatic outcome of the final matchday. CS Constantine suffered a 2–0 defeat away to TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, but the Algerian side still advanced to the quarter-finals on goal difference. Mazembe’s victory allowed the Congolese giants to finish top of the group, while Constantine edged out Club Africain for second place. Despite winning 1–0 against Ismaily, the Tunisian club was eliminated, paying the price for missed opportunities earlier in the competition.
At the end of the group stage, the eight teams qualified for the quarter-finals are Wydad AC, Mamelodi Sundowns, Espérance de Tunis, Horoya AC, TP Mazembe, CS Constantine, Al Ahly SC, and Simba SC. These clubs now represent the elite of African club football this season and will look to go even further in the competition.
The draw for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals is scheduled to take place on March 20th. With several continental heavyweights still in contention, fans can already expect high-intensity clashes and thrilling encounters as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
