The highly anticipated CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw took place in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, bringing excitement to football fans around the world. The draw revealed that South African giants Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will not face each other in the quarterfinals, much to the relief of their supporters.
Orlando Pirates will be facing MC Alger of Algeria in the fourth quarterfinal clash, with the first leg scheduled to take place in North Africa on 1 April. The Buccaneers will then have the opportunity to host MC Alger at home on 8 April. On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns will be up against Esperance of Tunisia, playing the first leg at home on 1 April before traveling to Tunis for the second leg.
The winners of these matches will advance to the semifinals, where Orlando Pirates or MC Alger will meet Pyramids of Egypt or AS FAR of Morocco, while Mamelodi Sundowns or Esperance will face either Al-Ahly of Egypt or Al-Hilal of Sudan. The possibility of a Pirates and Sundowns showdown can only happen in the final, should both teams progress all the way.
The CAF Champions League semifinals are set to take place on 18 April (first leg) and 25 April (second leg), promising thrilling matches and intense competition. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC, making their first appearance in the tournament, will take on defending champions Zamalek SC of Egypt in the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The draw for the Confed Cup quarterfinals also took place in Doha, with Stellenbosch hosting Zamalek in the first leg on 2 April before heading to North Africa for the return leg. The winner of this match will face either Simba SC of Tanzania or Al Masry of Egypt in the semifinals.
Fixture details, including kick-off times and venues, will be confirmed in the near future, adding to the anticipation and excitement of these upcoming matches. The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup quarterfinals promise to deliver top-class football action and memorable moments for fans worldwide.
