The quarter-final picture is beginning to take shape in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, with three teams securing their places in the last eight after Matchday 5 fixtures concluded on . Egyptian giants Al Ahly, defending champions Pyramids FC, and Malian side Stade Malien have all booked their spots, leaving five more places to be determined in the final round of group stage matches.
Pyramids Power Through in Group A
Pyramids FC cemented their status as title contenders with a commanding 4-1 victory over Rivers United in Uyo, Nigeria. The Egyptian side overcame an early setback, responding to Stephen Manu’s 33rd-minute opener with a dominant second-half display. Mostafa Fathi leveled the score in the 53rd minute, before Marwan Hamdi converted a penalty in the 77th minute to give Pyramids the lead. Substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury added a fourth in the 88th minute, and Nasser Maher completed the rout in stoppage time. This result not only secured Pyramids’ qualification as Group A winners, but also eliminated Rivers United from contention.
The battle for the second qualifying spot in Group A remains open, with Power Dynamos reigniting their hopes with a 2-0 home win over RS Berkane. Goals from Ronel Manyanga and Prince Mumba secured a vital victory for the Zambian side, leaving them level on seven points with Berkane heading into the final matchday. The head-to-head result between Berkane and Power Dynamos in the final round will determine who joins Pyramids in the quarter-finals.
Al Ahly Advance from Group B
Al Ahly secured their passage to the quarter-finals with a disciplined 0-0 draw away to JS Kabylie. The draw extended their unbeaten run and maintained their top spot in Group B, reaching nine points. While the game lacked goals, the result was sufficient to guarantee Al Ahly’s progression to the knockout stages. The second qualifying spot in Group B is still up for grabs, with AS FAR Rabat closely trailing Al Ahly on eight points. The final round of fixtures will decide which team joins the Egyptian powerhouse in the last eight.
Stade Malien Make History in Group D
Stade Malien continued their impressive run in the competition, securing their place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Espérance Tunis. The win took them to 11 points, solidifying their position at the top of Group D. This marks a significant achievement for the Malian side, demonstrating their growing competitiveness on the continental stage.
Group D also sees Espérance Tunis and Petro de Luanda tied on six points, setting up a decisive final round clash to determine who will accompany Stade Malien into the quarter-finals.
Quarter-Final Draw Structure
The CAF Champions League regulations stipulate a structured draw for the quarter-finals. Group winners will be placed in one pot, while runners-up will be placed in another. Importantly, teams from the same group cannot be drawn against each other, ensuring a competitive and unpredictable knockout stage. This means Pyramids, as Group A winners, will avoid facing any of the other teams from Group A in the quarter-finals.
Matchday 5 Results – A Recap
- Group A: Rivers United 1–4 Pyramids, Power Dynamos 2–0 RS Berkane
- Group B: JS Kabylie 0–0 Al Ahly
Current Standings
Group A: Pyramids – 13 pts (qualified), Berkane – 7 pts, Power Dynamos – 7 pts, Rivers United – 1 pt (eliminated)
Group B: Al Ahly – 9 pts (qualified), AS FAR Rabat – 8 pts
Group D: Stade Malien – 11 pts (qualified), Espérance Tunis – 6 pts, Petro de Luanda – 6 pts
Looking Ahead to Matchday 6
The final round of group stage matches promises to be filled with drama and intensity as teams battle for the remaining quarter-final berths. Key fixtures include Berkane versus Rivers United and Pyramids versus Power Dynamos in Group A, and the decisive clash between Espérance Tunis and Petro de Luanda in Group D. The outcome of these matches will determine the final composition of the quarter-final lineup, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout stage in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
