The CAF Champions League will feature two South African teams in the quarter-finals. Orlando Pirates will look to continue their superb campaign against MC Alger, while Mamelodi Sundowns face Espérance de Tunis.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) still uses the away goals rule, which has been scrapped by the European administrative body UEFA for their Champions League. This means that teams playing away from home in the first leg have the opportunity to put opponents on the back foot by scoring.
The first leg fixtures will take place on Tuesday, April 1.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. ES Tunis
South African Premiership leaders Sundowns will face one of the toughest teams in Africa, Tunisian Professionnelle 1 leaders Espérance. The first leg will take place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and Sundowns will have to be careful against a potent attack.
Sundowns have scored 51 goals in 23 matches in the Premiership, while Espérance has 47 in 25 in Tunisia. The goals can come from anywhere in this game, so a high-scoring tie is likely.
MC Alger vs. Orlando Pirates
MC Alger will host the first leg against the Buccaneers at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algeria. Orlando Pirates topped a group featuring Egypt’s Al Ahly, the most successful club in African soccer history.
Relebohile Mofokeng has scored three times in his last three appearances in the CAF Champions League. The tricky winger/attacking midfielder also has three goals in his last three games in all competitions for Orlando Pirates (10.68) and Bafana Bafana combined. The Buccaneers beat CR Belouizdad home and away and will fancy another victory in Algeria.
Al Ahly vs. Al Hilal
Egyptian giants Al Ahly will host Sudan’s Al Hilal in an all-North African encounter at Cairo International Stadium. Despite Ahly’s struggles in the group stage, they are likely to get the win here. The most successful club in Africa has its success for a reason. The team tends to peak at the right time in this competition.
Pyramids vs. AS FAR
Another clash in Cairo will see Pyramids host Morocco’s AS FAR. Pyramids pushed Espérance close in Group D, while AS FAR beat Mamelodi Sundowns to top spot in Group A. This is likely to be an extremely tight game, with a draw being one potential outcome worth looking at for soccer betting enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Thrilling CAF Champions League Soccer
The CAF Champions League quarter-final first legs promise to deliver high-intensity action, with some of Africa’s biggest clubs battling for supremacy. Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will both aim to gain early advantages in their ties, knowing that strong performances at this stage are crucial to securing semi-final spots.
Sundowns will need to be at their best to overcome Espérance, a team with a proven track record in African club football. Their attacking firepower could prove decisive, but defensive discipline will be equally important against a side that knows how to navigate these knockout stages.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, will look to extend their impressive form in Algeria. MC Alger presents a tough challenge at home, but the Buccaneers have shown resilience on the road. With Relebohile Mofokeng in fine form, they will be confident of securing a positive result.
Elsewhere, Al Ahly’s experience could give them the edge over Al Hilal, while Pyramids and AS FAR are likely to produce a tightly contested encounter. Both fixtures in Cairo could set the tone for dramatic second legs.
With the away goals rule still in place, every goal scored on the road will carry extra weight. The first legs will shape the narrative for the return fixtures, setting up a thrilling climax to the quarter-finals. South African fans will be watching closely, hoping for strong performances from their representatives.
