The final four of the 2023/24 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League have been confirmed, with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates both progressing to set up blockbuster last-four ties against Egyptian opposition.
Following a dramatic round of quarter-final second legs, the semi-final picture has now taken shape — with defending champions Al Ahly remaining on course for an 11th continental crown and debutants Pyramids FC making history by reaching the semis for the first time.
Pirates edge MC Alger to complete South African double
Orlando Pirates sealed their semi-final ticket with a goalless draw at home to MC Alger on Wednesday, completing a 1-0 aggregate victory courtesy of their first-leg success in Algiers.
The Soweto giants, who last lifted Africa’s top club prize in 1995, stood firm at Orlando Stadium as the Algerians mounted sustained pressure. But a resolute defensive performance under coach Jose Riveiro ensured they held their ground and booked a semi-final spot.
It means South Africa will have two teams in the last four, with Mamelodi Sundowns already having progressed after edging Tunisia’s Esperance 1-0 over two legs.
Pyramids make history as Al Ahly march on
Egypt’s Pyramids FC continued their fairytale campaign by advancing past AS FAR Rabat 4-3 on aggregate, despite a 2-0 loss in the second leg in Morocco. Their emphatic 4-1 win in Cairo last week proved enough to withstand the Royal Army’s spirited fightback.
The Cairo-based club, coached by Krunoslav Jurcic, will now face Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals — a huge opportunity for both clubs as they chase continental glory.
Meanwhile, serial champions Al Ahly overcame Sudan’s Al-Hilal with back-to-back 1-0 wins in both legs, booking their sixth consecutive semi-final appearance. Marcel Koller’s side now face Sundowns in what promises to be a high-stakes North vs South African clash.
Semi-final fixtures confirmed
The first legs of the CAF Champions League semi-finals will take place on 18 and 19 April, with the return fixtures set for 25 and 26 April.
Al Ahly will travel to Pretoria to face Sundowns, while Pirates will host Pyramids FC in Soweto. Both matches will be closely watched as former champions and ambitious challengers go head-to-head for a spot in the final.
The Confederation Cup semi-finals were also confirmed this week, with Stellenbosch FC of South Africa set to face Simba SC of Tanzania. The winner of ASEC Mimosas vs RS Berkane will meet the victor between USM Alger and CS Constantine.
