Just like the CAF Champions League, the CAF Confederation Cup completed its sixth and final group-stage matchday this weekend, officially revealing the eight clubs qualified for the quarter-finals. After weeks of intense competition, suspense lasted until the very end in several groups, confirming the high level and competitiveness of Africa’s second-most prestigious club tournament.
Before this decisive round of fixtures, only two teams had already secured their qualification: Morocco’s Renaissance Sportive de Berkane and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien. The remaining six places were therefore up for grabs, and the final results brought both confirmations and surprises.
In Group A, Hassania Agadir seized their opportunity in front of their home supporters by defeating RS Berkane 1–0. Youssef Alfahli scored the decisive goal, allowing the Moroccan club to clinch second place and advance to the knockout stage alongside Berkane, who nevertheless finished top of the group. Despite a convincing 4–1 victory away to AS Otoho d’Oyo, Raja Casablanca were eliminated. The reigning Confederation Cup champions paid dearly for earlier dropped points, and their early exit marked one of the major disappointments of this group stage.
Group B saw Étoile Sportive du Sahel confirm their status as one of the competition’s strong contenders. The Tunisian side did what was required by defeating Salitas FC 1–0 thanks to a goal from Firas Ben Larbi. This victory secured Étoile second place behind CS Sfaxien, who topped the group after beating Enugu Rangers 1–0 in Nigeria. For Salitas FC, participating in their first-ever African campaign, the experience ended at the group stage, but it will undoubtedly serve as valuable learning for the future.
Group C produced one of the most dramatic conclusions of the weekend. Al Hilal and Nkana FC claimed the two qualifying tickets, edging out Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko and Zambia’s Zesco United. Al Hilal confirmed their dominance with an emphatic 4–1 victory over Nkana FC, while Zesco United’s 2–1 win over Asante Kotoko was not enough to alter the standings. Ultimately, Al Hilal finished top of the group, with Nkana securing second place on nine points.
Group D lived up to expectations by remaining undecided until the final whistle. Zamalek SC and Gor Mahia emerged as the two qualifiers after a tense final day. Zamalek held NA Hussein Dey to a goalless draw, a result that proved sufficient to see them through. Gor Mahia, meanwhile, secured their qualification with a narrow 1–0 win over Petro Atlético, courtesy of a penalty converted by Jacques Tuyisenge. NA Hussein Dey narrowly missed out, finishing just one point behind the qualified teams.
At the end of the group stage, the eight teams qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals are RS Berkane, Hassania Agadir, CS Sfaxien, Étoile du Sahel, Al Hilal, Nkana FC, Zamalek SC, and Gor Mahia FC. These clubs now move into the decisive phase of the competition, where every match will be played on a knockout basis.
The draw for the quarter-finals is scheduled to take place on March 20 in Cairo, Egypt. With several experienced continental sides still in contention, the Confederation Cup promises thrilling clashes as the race for the trophy intensifies.
