The TotalEnergies CAF champions league draw for the last 8 was conducted in Cairo this Tuesday, February 17, and saw some outstanding fixtures including Al Ahly vs ES Tunis.

Complete Draw

RS Berkane vs Al Hilal

The first quarter-final pairing features Morocco’s RS Berkane against Sudan’s Al Hilal SC. Al Hilal defied the odds to top Group C with 11 points, sealing their progress with a clinical 1-0 victory over St Eloi Lupopo in the final round. Their opponents, the Orange Boys of RS Berkane, finished second in Group A with 10 points after a dominant 3-0 win against Rivers United. While both clubs are searching for their first Champions League trophy, Berkane’s historical success in the Confederation Cup makes them a dangerous dark horse against a resilient Al Hilal side.

ES Tunis vs Al Ahly

In what many are calling a “Clash of Titans,” Esperance ST of Tunisia will face the Egyptian record holders, Al Ahly SC. Al Ahly cruised through Group B as unbeaten leaders, demonstrating the consistency that has earned them 12 titles. Esperance, known as The Blood and Gold, secured their spot as runners-up in Group D following a 2-0 win over Petro de Luanda. With 16 titles between them, this matchup represents the pinnacle of African football pedigree, where Al Ahly’s status as favorites will be tested by Esperance’s deep tactical maturity.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves pitted against the tournament’s surprise package, Stade Malien. The Malian side proved to be a defensive fortress, topping Group D with 11 points and conceding only twice throughout the group stage. Mamelodi Sundowns had a more turbulent path, surviving a scare to finish second in Group C with 9 points. Despite their runner-up status, “The Brazilians” possess a squad depth that makes them massive threats to the Malian underdogs, who are appearing in the knockout rounds as the ultimate dark horse.

AS FAR vs Pyramids

The final pairing sees the Moroccan army club, AS FAR, taking on the defending champions, Pyramids SC of Egypt. Pyramids were arguably the most dominant side of the group stage, amassing 16 points and scoring a staggering 14 goals to top Group A. AS FAR secured their place by finishing second in Group B, notably proving their mettle by holding Al Ahly to a draw in their final match. As the current holders and highest scorers, Pyramids are undoubtedly the team to beat, though AS FAR’s disciplined approach could provide a stern challenge.

Looking ahead, the road to the final is clearly mapped out. The winner of the battle between Esperance and Al Ahly will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Stade Malien in the first semi-final. On the other side of the bracket, the victor of the AS FAR and Pyramids clash will meet the winner of the Berkane and Al Hilal matchup. These semi-finals will determine who survives to compete in the grand final, where one club will eventually be crowned the kings of African football.