The stage is set for the knockout rounds of the 2024–25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, with eight of Africa’s finest clubs ready to clash in the quarter-finals.
After a fiercely competitive group stage, the road to continental glory resumes on Tuesday, 1 April, with return legs scheduled for 8 and 9 April.
The draw has produced four tantalizing matchups featuring six former champions and two emerging challengers. Powerhouses like Al Ahly, Espérance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns are joined by the likes of Al Hilal and Pyramids FC, both of whom bring compelling underdog stories to the table.
Quarter-Final Fixtures (First Leg – Tuesday, 1 April):
13h00 GMT: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)
19h00 GMT: Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs AS FAR (Morocco)
19h00 GMT: Al Ahly FC (Egypt) vs Al Hilal FC (Sudan)
19h00 GMT: MC Alger (Algeria) vs Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
The winners of each two-legged tie already know what awaits in the semi-finals:
SF1: Mamelodi Sundowns/Espérance vs Al Ahly/Al Hilal
SF2: MC Alger/Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC/AS FAR
Meet the Contenders
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Coach: Marcel Koller (Switzerland)
Best Finish: 12-time winners (most recently in 2023–24)
The kings of African club football are hunting a record-extending 13th title—and a historic third in a row. While they finished second to Orlando Pirates in the group stage, Ahly are known for peaking in the knockouts.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)
Coach: Laurențiu Reghecampf (Romania)
Best Finish: Four-time winners
Fresh off a Tunisian Super Cup victory, Espérance look sharp under Reghecampf, losing just once in 19 games. With a potent attack led by Mokwana and Jabri, they’ll be confident against the Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Coach: Miguel Cardoso (Portugal)
Best Finish: Winners in 2016
Though less prolific than usual in the group phase, the Sundowns remain a knockout-seasoned force. This marks their ninth quarter-final in 10 seasons.
Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
Coach: Jose Riveiro (Spain)
Best Finish: Winners in 1995
Back in the quarters for the first time since 2013, the Buccaneers stormed the group stage unbeaten, finishing with the highest points tally. Their 2–1 away win at Al Ahly was a statement.
AS FAR (Morocco)
Coach: Alexandre Santos (Portugal)
Best Finish: Winners in 1985
Undefeated in the group stage, AS FAR have quietly built momentum under Santos. This is their deepest run in the tournament since 1988.
Al Hilal (Sudan)
Coach: Florent Ibengé (DR Congo)
Best Finish: Runners-up in 1987, 1992
Despite being forced to play home games in Mauritania due to the crisis in Sudan, Al Hilal impressed by topping their group. They're back in the knockouts for the first time since 2015.
MC Alger (Algeria)
Coach: Khaled Ben Yahia (Tunisia)
Best Finish: Winners in 1976
With just two goals conceded in the group stage, MC Alger boast the tournament’s stingiest defence. They're back in the quarter-finals, hoping to reach the semis for the first time since their lone title.
Pyramids FC (Egypt)
Coach: Krunoslav Jurčić (Croatia)
Best Finish: Quarter-final debut
The Egyptian side was among the top scorers in the group phase and is enjoying a dream run in just their second Champions League appearance. They'll look to follow in the footsteps of their Cairo rivals, Al Ahly.
Global Coverage & Digital Access
All quarter-final matches will be broadcast live across CAF’s international broadcast network. Behind-the-scenes content, highlights, and exclusive interviews will also be available on CAF’s official digital platforms.
Africa's Biggest Stage Awaits
With storylines ranging from Al Hilal’s resilience in exile to Pyramids FC’s fairytale journey, and the relentless pursuit of history by Al Ahly, the 2024–25 CAF Champions League knockout stage promises high drama and unforgettable African football.
Palestine’s Omar Faraj tied an Allsvenskan record with five goals for Degerfors, earning a rare 10/10 rating across multiple score apps. Here's all you need to know about the Swedish-Palestinian sensation.
Eight teams remain as Africa’s top clubs gear up for blockbuster CAF Champions League quarter-finals starting 1 April.
Goals from Ahmad Faqa and veteran Omar Al Somah mark a triumphant and symbolic return to international football for Syria after regime change.
Salah wants to stay at Liverpool beyond his current deal, as Trent's expected exit to Madrid opens the door for a contract extension.
Argentina crush Brazil 4-1 in qualifiers—a fierce reminder from Scaloni’s squad: the World Cup holders are hungry for another title.
Palestine stuns Iraq, Kyrgyzstan shocks Qatar, and giants slip in tense Asian Qualifiers—drama unfolds across the continent.
Norway outclassed Israel 4-2 with goals from four different scorers, exposing defensive gaps despite a spirited Israeli comeback attempt.
Tensions rise ahead of Israel vs. Norway as politics, security, and World Cup hopes collide in a charged qualifier on Tuesday.
Ahmed Taha shines for Palestine with assist vs Jordan—now Israel’s sports minister wants him banned from the local league.
Israel come from behind to beat Estonia 2-1 in World Cup qualifying opener; Eli Dasa scores winner ahead of Tuesday clash with Norway.
Japan qualify as Asia's World Cup race heats up—big wins, surprise draws, and crucial clashes ahead on Matchday 8.
24 teams fight for the last six spots in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, with high-stakes clashes set to unfold in the Final Round Qualifiers.
CAF World Cup qualifiers heat up as Egypt, Sudan, and Morocco lead, while Nigeria and Ghana fight to stay in contention.
Ghana to host 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship, with top youth teams competing in Accra from April 21-26.
AFC Champions League Elite draw sets up thrilling quarterfinals as top clubs battle for glory in Jeddah from April 25 to May 3.
Newcastle’s Saudi-backed project wins its first trophy, while Salah’s Ballon d'Or hopes fade amid contract uncertainty and exit rumors.
Al-Hilal chase Ittihad, Ronaldo fumes as he's subbed, Al-Qadsiah stumble, and Benzema shines—Saudi Pro League heats up before break!
The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025 kicks off in Thailand, with 16 teams battling for glory and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup spots.
Germany's ambitious UEFA Women's EURO 2029 bid promises record-breaking attendance with 11 world-class stadiums under the rallying cry "Together WE Rise."
Gwangju stuns Vissel Kobe with a 3-0 comeback win after extra time, overturning a 2-0 deficit to reach the AFC Champions League quarters.
Al Hilal's comeback vs. Pakhtakor and Al Ahli's dominant win over Al-Rayyan secure their spots in the AFC Champions League quarters.
Buriram edged JDT 1-0 in a VAR-marred clash, sealing a quarter-final spot as Obregón's stoppage-time goal was controversially disallowed.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr cruise past Esteghlal 3-0, with Ronaldo scoring a Panenka as they advance to the AFC CL quarter-finals.
Iraq refuses to play Palestine’s WCQ in Jerusalem or Jordan, citing VAR concerns. FIFA faces pressure to decide on a neutral venue.
Estudiantes Tel Aviv wins the IFLI2 championship and secures promotion after a dramatic 2-2 draw. A nine-game unbeaten run, star performances, and a historic fifth title.
Germany launches its UEFA Women’s EURO 2029 bid with “Together WE Rise,” aiming for unity, growth, and lasting impact in women’s football.
The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup kicks off in Qatar from Dec 1-18, featuring 16 teams in a key regional showdown ahead of AFCON 2025.
FIFA announces a record $1B prize for Club World Cup 2025 and major expansions for women's competitions, including a new Club World Cup.
Down 3-0, Hapoel Beer Sheva roared back to a dramatic 3-3 draw with Maccabi Haifa, keeping their top spot in the Israeli league.
Maccabi Tel Aviv secures a historic 3-1 away win over Hapoel Be’er Sheva, reclaiming first place in the Israeli playoff race.