CAIRO — Eight elite clubs have officially booked their spots in the quarter-finals of the 2025–26 CAF Champions League, following the thrilling conclusion of the group stage.
With four teams in each group battling across six high-intensity fixtures, only the top two earned the right to advance to the knockout rounds. As the curtain fell on the group phase, several of Africa’s football powerhouses confirmed their places among the final eight.
In Group A, Egypt’s Pyramids FC powered their way to top spot, while Morocco’s RS Berkane advanced as runners-up.
Group B was dominated by Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, who finished first, with Morocco’s AS FAR securing second place.
In Group C, Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman claimed the summit, followed by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the runners-up position.
Group D saw Mali’s Stade Malien finish as group winners, with Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis completing the final eight as runners-up.
Al-Ahly 0–0 AS FAR
Record African champions, Al-Ahly booked their place in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw with Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat at Cairo International Stadium in the final group-stage match of Group B.
Both sides showing defensive discipline. Al-Ahly dominated possession and probed for openings, but were repeatedly denied by FAR Rabat goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane missed a promising chance for Al-Ahly in the fifth minute, while Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng’s long-range effort was comfortably held. Striker Marwan Othman’s close-range strike in the 10th minute was also saved by Tagnaouti.
FAR Rabat’s defender Marouane Louadni cleared a certain goal off the line in the 39th minute, keeping the game level. Late in the match, Portuguese forward Ieltsin Camoes came close for Al-Ahly, but the breakthrough never came.
Despite the goalless draw, Al-Ahly’s result was enough to confirm their quarter-final berth, as both teams progressed from Group B.
Al-Ahly’s Danish head coach, Jess Thorup, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in the goalless draw against AS FAR.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Thorup remarked: “Looking at the stats, it’s clear we were the dominant side. The opponents never really threatened our goal, while we created numerous scoring opportunities.”
He added that the atmosphere in the stadium was phenomenal, on par with the biggest European clubs. It’s disappointing, though, that we couldn’t reward the fans with a victory.
Africans 3–0 Kabylie
Young Africans produced a commanding second-half display to secure a 3–0 victory over JS Kabylie.
The Tanzanian side took the lead in the 36th minute when Depu calmly converted a penalty after Pacome Zouzouawas fouled inside the area. Young Africans carried their momentum into halftime with a deserved 1–0 advantage.
After the restart, the hosts increased their intensity and doubled their lead in the 63rd minute, as Depu rose highest to head home from a well-delivered corner, completing his brace on the night.
Just three minutes later, Young Africans struck again on the counterattack. Issaka Boka finished from close range after a swift break, assisted by Prince Dube, to make it 3–0 and effectively end the contest.
Despite the commanding victory, the Tanzanian giants’ campaign came to an end as they finished a point less than Group B runners-up, AS FAR who advanced along with Al-Ahly.
