Reigning champions Pyramids FC of Egypt will continue their title defence against Morocco’s AS FAR in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
The Egyptian side, who topped Group B, were seeded for the draw conducted at the Egyptian Football Federation headquarters in Cairo. Pyramids will host the first leg before travelling for the return fixture, with the aggregate winner advancing to the semi-finals.
Awaiting the winner in the last four will be either RS Berkane — fresh from continental success in the Confederation Cup — or Sudanese giants Al Hilal, who also face off over two legs for a place in the semi-finals.
Last season’s runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns have been drawn against Stade de Mali. The South African side will play the first leg at home as they look to go one step further than last year and return to the final.
In what is widely considered the standout tie of the round, record champions Al Ahly of Egypt will square off against Tunisian heavyweights Esperance. Both clubs boast rich continental pedigree, and the winner of that clash will meet either Sundowns or Stade de Mali in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, attention also turns to the CAF Confederation Cup, where two-time champions Zamalek of Egypt continue their push for a record-equalling third title.
They face Otoho in the quarter-finals, with the winner set to take on either Al Masry or CR Belouizdad in the next round.
Elsewhere, 2023 champions USM Alger will battle Congo’s Maniema Union, while Olympic Club Safi face Wydad Casablanca in another intriguing last-eight encounter.
With North, West and Southern African powerhouses still in contention, the race for continental glory is heating up as the knockout stages begin.
