CAF Confed Cup: Eight Teams Set for Knockout Glory Quest

The group stages of the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup concluded on January 19 with an action-packed finale that saw 26 goals scored across eight matches.

This dramatic conclusion determined the final eight teams advancing to the knockout stages.

Match Day 6 delivered decisive results as Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast secured their quarter-final spot with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Orapa United from Botswana. Egypt's Al Masry also advanced after defeating Mozambique's Black Bulls 3-1. These teams joined six others who had already qualified: Zamalek SC (Egypt), CS Constantine (Algeria), USM Alger (Algeria), RS Berkane (Morocco), Simba SC (Tanzania), and Stellenbosch FC (South Africa).

The knockout stage features an intriguing mix of experienced champions and newcomers. Among the qualified teams, three have previously won the Confederation Cup: Zamalek SC and RS Berkane with two titles each, while USM Alger has claimed the trophy once. Asec Mimosas brings additional pedigree to the competition as former CAF Champions League winners, having claimed that title in 1998.

The tournament has also produced compelling storylines with tournament debutants Stellenbosch FC continuing their impressive run. CS Constantine has reached the knockout stages in their first group stage appearance, a significant achievement after previous eliminations in the preliminary rounds. Al Masry's return to CAF Interclub competitions has been equally noteworthy, as they've secured their place among the final eight.

The quarter-finals will be contested over two legs, scheduled for March 30 and April 6. CAF will announce the draw details for the knockout stages in due course, setting the path for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

This diverse group of quarterfinalists, representing seven different nations across the continent, ensures an intriguing knockout phase as they compete for one of Africa's most prestigious club trophies.