THE FUSE

The semi-final line-up of the CAF Champions League 2025/26 has been confirmed following a dramatic conclusion to the quarter-final stage across the continent over the weekend.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Moroccan duo FAR Rabat and RS Berkane have secured their places in the last four, setting up two highly anticipated semi-final clashes in April.

The CAF Champions Leagues is Africa’s premier club competition.

High-profile clash

Esperance will face Mamelodi Sundowns in a high-profile clash between two of Africa’s most consistent performers in recent years.

In the other semi-final, Morocco is guaranteed representation in the final as FAR Rabat and RS Berkane meet in an all-Moroccan showdown.

The semi-final matches will be played over two legs in April, as the four remaining teams battle for a place in the final of the CAF Champions League.

Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to their fourth consecutive semi-final despite suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Stade Malien in Bamako.

The South African side relied on their commanding 3-0 first-leg victory in Pretoria to secure a 3-2 aggregate triumph.

Esperance delivered one of the standout performances of the round, eliminating record 12-time champions Al Ahly with a dramatic 3-2 victory in Cairo.

Holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, the Tunisian giants overturned an early deficit before scoring a decisive stoppage-time winner to complete a 4-2 aggregate triumph.

The result ends Al Ahly’s campaign and reinforces Esperance’s credentials as serious contenders for a fifth continental title.

Clinical performance

Morocco’s FAR Rabat produced a disciplined and clinical performance to eliminate defending champions Pyramids FC.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, FAR Rabat secured a 2-1 victory in Cairo to advance 3-2 on aggregate, ending the Egyptian side’s title defence.

RS Berkane completed the semi-final line-up with a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Al Hilal.

With the tie level at 1-1 from the first leg, Berkane struck in the 93rd minute to claim a 1-0 win and a 2-1 aggregate success, breaking Sudanese hearts in Kigali.

CAF Champions League 2025/26 Semi-final Fixtures

First Leg

AS FAR Ravat v RS Berkane – 11 April at 21:00

Esperance v Mamelodi Sundowns – 12 April at 21:00

Second Leg

Mamelodi Sundowns v Esperance – 18 April at 15:00

RS Berkane v AS FAR Rabat – 18 April at 21:00