Heavyweights Set for Collision Course in CAF Confederation Cup Knockout Stage
Following today’s draw at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, the bracket is officially set, mapping out a definitive four-game path towards continental glory. This journey is headlined by an all-Moroccan clash that pits Olympique Safi against Wydad Athletic Club, both trying to claim the trophy sister club RS Berkane won last season.
As it has been in the most recent past, this year’s knockout stage is defined by a heavy North African presence, featuring traditional giants and underdogs from the sub-Saharan region, all vying for a spot in the final.
The headline act of the quarter-finals is undoubtedly the North African derby between Egypt’s Al Masry SC and Algeria’s CR Belouizdad.
Al Masry navigated Group D, showing immense resilience to secure their progression on the final matchday. They now face a formidable CR Belouizdad side that dominated Group C with lethal attacking display. This matchup represents a classic clash of styles, pitting Egyptian tactical discipline against the flair and pace of the Algerian league leaders.
Simultaneously, a fascinating “civil war” has emerged on the continental stage as Morocco’s Olympic Club Safi prepares to face their domestic rivals, Wydad AC. As traditional giants of African football, Wydad cruised through Group B with an impressive point haul, but they now face a Safi side that knows their system better than anyone else. While Wydad enters as the favorite, the familiarity between these two Moroccan outfits adds a layer of unpredictable tension to the fixture.
In another high-profile matchup, Zamalek SC continue their quest for a third title. After topping Group D, the “White Knights” find themselves drawn against Congo’s AS Otohô. While Zamalek carries the weight of history and expectation, the Congolese side proved their worth by finishing second in Group C and will rely heavily on their intimidating home atmosphere in Oyo to unsettle the Egyptian favorites. This David vs. Goliath narrative remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the round.
Rounding out the quarter-final fixtures is the clash between AS Maniema Union of the DRC and Algeria’s USM Alger. The Algerians were the most disciplined defensive unit of the group stages, finishing Group A unbeaten. They travel to face a resilient Maniema Union side that fought off stiff competition to secure the runner-up spot in Group B. It will be a battle of Central African grit against North African defensive organization.
The road to the final is now clearly illuminated. The winner of the clash between AS Maniema Union and USM Alger will move on to Semi-Final 1 to face either Olympic Safi or Wydad AC, setting the stage for a potential heavyweight semi-final between USM Alger and Wydad. On the other side of the bracket, Semi-Final 2 will see the winner of the Al Masry and CR Belouizdad tie face either AS Otohô or Zamalek. This structure creates a very real possibility of an all-Egyptian semi-final, which would guaranteed an Egyptian presence in the grand finale this May.
With the first-leg fixtures scheduled to begin in March, the seeded teams—USM Alger, Wydad, CR Belouizdad, and Zamalek—hold the distinct advantage of hosting the decisive second legs at home.
CAF Confederations Cup Draws
QF 1: Al Masry vs CR Belouizdad
QF 2: Olympique Safi vs Wydad AC
QF 3: AS Otoho d’Oyo vs Zamalek SC
QF 3: AS Otoho d’Oyo vs Zamalek SC
QF 4:AS Maniema Union vs USM Algier
