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.
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