The CAF Champions League quarter-finals begin this weekend as eight clubs from across Africa compete for four semi-final places in the continent’s premier club competition.
The opening legs take place between 13 and 15 March, with several evenly balanced ties alongside clear favourites.
Mamelodi Sundowns are priced at 1.41 against Stade Malien (6.41), while defending champions Pyramids FC travel to AS FAR Rabat in a closely priced contest.
Elsewhere, RS Berkane host Al Hilal Omdurman, while record champions Al Ahly SC meet long-time rivals Espérance Sportive de Tunis in another major North African encounter.
How to bet on cards and bookings
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien
Sundowns return to the knockout stage after finishing runners-up in the previous edition of the competition. Miguel Cardoso’s side began their campaign with a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory over Remo Stars FC in the preliminary rounds.
Their group-stage campaign was more complicated. Sundowns recorded two wins, three draws and one defeat, with qualification confirmed on the final matchday after a 2-0 victory against MC Alger.
Stade Malien enter the tie having reached the quarter-finals for the first time. The Bamako club finished top of their group with 11 points, finishing ahead of Espérance after holding them to a draw in Tunis and defeating them in Mali.
AS FAR Rabat vs Pyramids FC
Defending champions Pyramids FC progressed from the group stage with the strongest record in the competition. The Egyptian side recorded five wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals while conceding only twice.
Their campaign began with a 5-0 aggregate victory against APR FC before advancing past Ethiopian Insurance FC in the second round.
AS FAR Rabat qualified for the quarter-finals after finishing second in a competitive group that included Al Ahly. The Moroccan club accumulated nine points and secured progression ahead of Young Africans SC.
Betway
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
RS Berkane vs Al Hilal
RS Berkane finished second in their group behind Pyramids FC after collecting 10 points. Their campaign included three wins but also two away defeats.
Al Hilal topped their group with 11 points, finishing ahead of Sundowns. The Sudanese side recorded three wins and two draws during the group stage, with their only defeat coming against MC Alger.
Espérance de Tunis vs Al Ahly
Al Ahly advanced from the group stage unbeaten, collecting 10 points through two wins and four draws.
Their quarter-final opponents Espérance finished second in a group won by Stade Malien. The Tunisian club recorded two victories and three draws but suffered a defeat away in Bamako.
The meeting renews one of African football’s most frequent continental rivalries, with the two clubs having previously contested multiple Champions League finals in recent years.
The takeaway
The quarter-finals feature experienced contenders alongside emerging challengers, with several ties finely balanced ahead of the decisive second legs later this month.
Photo: REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
ZarBet
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
