The first leg matches of the 2025–2026 CAF Champions League quarter-finals have concluded after three days of action, producing closely contested results that leave several ties finely balanced ahead of the decisive return fixtures.
While South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns delivered the most convincing performance of the round, defending champions Al Ahly suffered a narrow defeat in Tunisia. Elsewhere, Pyramids secured an important away draw and the contest between Renaissance Berkane and Al-Hilal also ended level.
With the second-leg matches scheduled to take place next week, the race for a place in the semi-finals remains wide open.
Sundowns Take Strong Lead
The most dominant display of the quarter-final first legs came from South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who defeated Stade Malien 3-0.
The comprehensive victory places the South African side in a strong position heading into the return match. Their attacking display and solid defensive performance allowed them to build a commanding advantage that leaves Stade Malien with a significant challenge in the second leg.
With a three-goal cushion, Sundowns have effectively placed one foot in the semi-finals as they prepare for the return fixture.
Pyramids Earn Valuable Away Draw
In Rabat, Egypt’s Pyramids secured a valuable result against Morocco’s Royal Army, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
The evenly contested encounter means the tie remains undecided, with the final outcome set to be determined in the return leg in Cairo. Pyramids will now have the advantage of playing at home when the teams meet again, giving them a potential edge in the race for qualification.
Despite the draw, both sides remain firmly in contention for a semi-final place.
Esperance Edge Past Al Ahly
Another tightly contested match saw Tunisia’s Esperance claim a 1-0 victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly in Rades.
The narrow defeat leaves the Egyptian side needing a positive result in the second leg to keep their hopes of advancing alive. The return fixture will take place in Cairo next week, where Al Ahly will attempt to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the next stage of the competition.
Esperance, meanwhile, will travel to Egypt holding a slim advantage that could prove crucial if they manage to defend their lead.
Berkane and Al-Hilal Remain Level
Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane were held to a 1-1 draw by Sudanese visitors Al-Hilal in another closely fought quarter-final clash.
The result leaves qualification undecided, with the teams set to meet again in the return leg in Rwanda. Both sides will head into the second match knowing that a single decisive moment could determine who advances to the semi-finals.
First Leg Results
The results from the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals were as follows:
- Mamelodi Sundowns 3 – Stade Malien 0
- Royal Army 1 – Pyramids 1
- Renaissance Berkane 1 – Al-Hilal 1
- Esperance 1 – Al Ahly 0
Return Leg Fixtures
The decisive second-leg matches are scheduled over two days:
- Al Ahly vs. Esperance – March 21
- Pyramids vs. Royal Army – March 21
- Al-Hilal vs. Renaissance Berkane – March 22
- Stade Malien vs. Mamelodi Sundowns – March 22
With several ties still finely balanced, the upcoming matches promise high tension as Africa’s top clubs battle for a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.
