African membership soccer is braced for one more gripping part after the draw for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals delivered a compelling checklist of fixtures, led by a blockbuster showdown between continental heavyweights Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis.
The draw, performed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Cairo, has set the stage for an intense race to the ultimate, with established giants and bold challengers all eyeing Africa’s most prestigious membership title.
The conflict between Al Ahly and Espérance immediately captures consideration, reigniting one of many fiercest rivalries in African soccer and recalling recollections of traditional finals and dramatic knockout battles between either side.
Elsewhere, Morocco’s RS Berkane will sq. off towards Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal in a tie anticipated to be fiercely contested and tactically demanding.
In one other eye-catching encounter, South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns face Mali’s Stade Malien, a matchup that guarantees attacking aptitude towards cussed resilience.
The ultimate quarter-final pairing sees Moroccan navy membership AS FAR drawn towards Egyptian facet Pyramids FC, with each groups assured of pushing deep into the competitors after spectacular group-stage campaigns.
The semi-final pathway has additionally been clearly outlined.
The winner of the Al Ahly versus Espérance tie will meet both Sundowns or Stade Malien, whereas the victor from the AS FAR and Pyramids FC conflict will tackle whoever emerges from the RS Berkane versus Al Hilal encounter.
With little margin for error, the path to the ultimate ensures elite-level competitors at each step.
Quarter-final first legs are scheduled for March 13–15, with the return fixtures set for March 20–22. The semi-finals will observe in April, earlier than the two-legged remaining in Might brings the 2025/26 CAF Champions League season to a dramatic shut.
With heavyweight names, historic rivalries and contrasting soccer philosophies colliding, the CAF Champions League knockout stage is as soon as once more poised to ship the drama, ardour and high quality that followers throughout the continent have come to count on.
Quarter-Closing Pairings at a Look
(First-named groups, who completed as group runners-up, will host the primary legs)
RS Berkane vs Al Hilal
Espérance de Tunis vs Al Ahly
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien
AS FAR vs Pyramids FC
