CAF Champions League quarter-final second legs with AfroPari: the moment that decides everything

On March 21 and 22, the CAF Champions League enters its decisive phase: the quarter finals second legs are set to kick off. This is a test of fortitude, where there’s no room for mistakes. AfroPari takes a look at the upcoming weekend, when the tournament will eliminate the weaker teams and keep only those who are ready to fight for the trophy.

What to expect from the quarter-finals?

Each pair has already played the first leg and is now approaching the decisive second leg. It’s the aggregate score from the two legs that will determine who will continue their journey towards the trophy and who will be watching the semi-finals on TV.

The competition is still dominated by the top African football clubs: Pyramids, Al Ahly, Espérance de Tunis and AS FAR. However, those who have been following the match analysis on AfroPari know that the outcome isn’t that predictable.

Mamelodi Sundowns are still a strong team capable of upsetting the established balance, while RS Berkane have already made it clear they have serious ambitions, despite this being their debut season in the CAF Champions League. Stade Malien deserve a special mention – they are one of the standout stories in this season’s knockout stage.

March 21: Pyramids vs AS FAR

The first leg in Rabat ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping the intrigue alive. Pyramids are still the defending champions, but the first match has already shown that this status doesn’t necessarily give them an advantage on the pitch. The return leg will see two contrasting approaches clash: the home team’s strong, aggressive attack against the solid structure of AS FAR.

March 21: Al Ahly vs Espérance de Tunis

The main battle at this stage is between two sides with such a rich history that it would be a shame to focus solely on the present. The teams have met three times in the CAF Champions League finals, and on each occasion, the trophy has gone to Al Ahly.

Following their 1-0 victory in the first leg, Espérance de Tunis want more. The team will travel to Cairo with a narrow lead, but this is familiar territory for Al Ahly: the Egyptian giants traditionally play differently at home, and the fans are confident that their team can regain control of the tie. High hopes are pinned on Trézéguet – it was in Cairo that he scored 4 of his 5 goals in the current Champions League.

March 22: Stade Malien vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Having won the first leg 3-0, Sundowns are virtually through to the semi-finals – there’s no doubt that they are the clear favorites here. For the South African club, this is a chance to reach their third CAF Champions League semi-finals.

Stade Malien have already become the biggest sensation of this season’s knockout stage. Not only did the Malian club reach the quarter-finals for the first time in its history, but also comfortably won its group, conceding only 2 goals in 6 games. And yet the question remains: can the team that has already exceeded all expectations do so once again?

March 22: Al Hilal vs RS Berkane

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, this match could prove to be the most intriguing fixture of the quarter-finals. Al Hilal are approaching the game as group winners and in good current form. An additional advantage for the home side is Abdel Raouf, who has scored 5 goals in this Champions League campaign and is among the tournament’s top scorers. But in decisive matches, these factors may not be enough.

RS Berkane play a different style – calmly and with no fuss. And this isn’t just a feeling: the club is playing its debut season in the CAF Champions League, yet has confidently reached the quarter-finals, having gained 10 points in the group stage, only surpassed by Pyramids. That’s why matches like this are particularly appreciated by those who like to bet on African football relying not on emotion but on analysis and dispassionate calculation.

CAF Champions League reaches its peak

Teams with different levels of experience and histories are set to face off in thrilling football battles very soon. Some are used to playing on such stages, while others are just learning how to turn their ambitions into results. To add even more excitement to the weekend, AfroPari has prepared a special CAF Champions League promo: a bet of at least 2 USD on a CAF Champions League match can bring you 1,000 USD or even 2,000 USD. Turn the moment into rewards!