Aliou Dieng of Al Ahly Fc celebrates goal with teammates during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 match between Young Africans and Al Ahly at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, Tanzania on 31 January 2025 ©Honest Mwanitega/BackpagePix
Friday Mar 13, 2026. 10:33
A titanic clash between Al Ahly and Esperance headlines the action as Mamelodi Sundowns aim to dodge an upset in this weekend’s CAF Champions League quarter-final first-leg matches.
The spotlight falls on a blockbuster North African rivalry as record winners Al Ahly face fierce foes Esperance Sportive de Tunis at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, Tunisia, on Sunday.
This classic showdown is steeped in history, having produced several epic Champions League finals over the years – expect tactical intensity, passionate crowds, and high stakes between two of Africa’s most decorated clubs.
Kicking off the weekend’s action on Friday night, South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns host surprise qualifiers Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
The Brazilians, perennial contenders, are determined to avoid any upset against the Malians, who topped Group D and arrive as dangerous underdogs with nothing to lose. This classic favourite-vs-dark-horse clash could spark fireworks.
Adding to the North African flavour, defending champions Pyramids FC (Al Ahly’s Egyptian rivals) take on AS FAR in a Moroccan-Egyptian derby at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Friday at midnight.
Pyramids, in strong form this campaign, will push for a vital away advantage against a disciplined Moroccan side renowned for their home resilience and structured play.
Finally, RS Berkane welcome Al Hilal Omdurman (Group C toppers) at the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Saturday.
The Moroccan side, with a recent continental pedigree (especially in the Confederation Cup), will lean on passionate home support to build a solid lead against the counter-attacking Sudanese side.
Champions League 1st-leg fixtures
Friday, 13 March
20:00 – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) v Stade Malien (Mali)
00:00 – AS FAR (Morocco) v Pyramids FC (Egypt)
Saturday, 14 March
00:00 SAST – RS Berkane (Morocco) v Al Hilal (Sudan)
Sunday, 15 March
23:00 – Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) v Al Ahly (Egypt)
