The CAF Champions League 2025/26 quarter-final first legs delivered high drama across Africa, with contrasting storylines unfolding from Pretoria to Tunis.
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns produced the most convincing performance of the round with a commanding 3–0 victory over Stade Malien, while the heavyweight clashes involving Al Ahly SC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, AS FAR, and Pyramids FC produced tense and finely balanced draws.
Meanwhile, RS Berkane earned a crucial away result against Al‑Hilal Omdurman, leaving the return legs perfectly poised.
The most dominant performance of the quarter-final first legs came from Mamelodi Sundowns, who defeated Stade Malien 3–0 in Pretoria.
The South African champions delivered a clinical attacking display to put one foot in the semi-finals.
Sundowns opened the scoring in the 34th minute, when Khuliso Mudau finished a move assisted by Arthur Sales.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 55th minute through Brayan Leon, following a pass from Nuno Santos.
The match was sealed in the 74th minute, when Iqraam Rayners converted after another assist from Santos.
Rayners and Leon were outstanding in attack, constantly stretching the Malian defense.
Midfielder Santos also played a key role with two assists in the match.
Sundowns dominated possession with their fluid 4-3-3 system, using overlapping full-backs and quick passing combinations.
Stade Malien struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the South African side’s attack.
The Pretoria crowd celebrated a near-perfect performance from their team, sensing that a semi-final place is within reach.
With a 3-0 lead, Sundowns hold the strongest advantage of any team heading into the second legs.
The first leg between Al Hilal Omdurman and RS Berkane ended in a dramatic 1–1 draw, with both teams scoring in opposite halves.
Berkane struck first through Omer before the Moroccan side had to rely on a late penalty from Chouiar to rescue the result.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute, when Coulibaly finished a move assisted by Omer, giving Berkane an early advantage.
The match turned increasingly physical in the first half, with several bookings issued as both sides fought for control.
Al Hilal intensified their pressure after the break, eventually forcing mistakes in Berkane’s defensive line.
Deep into stoppage time, Berkane were awarded a penalty in the 90+9 minute, which Chouiar converted to level the match at 1–1.
The closing moments were chaotic, including a red card to Ebuela in the 90+6 minute, highlighting the intensity of the contest.
Omer Coulibaly was influential throughout the match, contributing both defensively and offensively despite his late dismissal.
For Berkane, Chouiar demonstrated composure under immense pressure with his stoppage-time penalty.
Al Hilal deployed a compact defensive block, focusing on physical duels and aerial dominance. Berkane relied on structured build-up play and quick transitions down the wings. The late penalty dramatically altered the momentum heading into the return leg.
The atmosphere in Omdurman was electrifying, with the Sudanese crowd creating constant noise throughout the match. The late equalizer stunned the home supporters while Berkane players celebrated a crucial away goal.
The 1–1 draw leaves the tie delicately balanced heading into the second leg in Morocco.
The clash between AS FAR and Pyramids FC ended 1–1, another tight encounter between North African rivals. The Moroccan side opened the scoring early before Pyramids responded after the break.
AS FAR struck first in the 8th minute, when Hammoudan finished a move assisted by Darrag.The home side controlled much of the first half through energetic pressing. However, Pyramids found their response in the 52nd minute, when Zalaka equalized for the Egyptian side. Both teams created chances in the final stages, but neither could secure a decisive advantage.
Hammoudan was a constant attacking threat for AS FAR and provided the early breakthrough. For Pyramids, Zalaka’s equalizer proved decisive in securing a valuable away result.
AS FAR used an aggressive pressing approach early in the match, aiming to disrupt Pyramids’ build-up. The Egyptian side adjusted in the second half, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting spaces between the Moroccan defensive lines.
The Rabat crowd delivered a passionate display of support, creating a vibrant Champions League atmosphere. The equalizer from Pyramids silenced the stadium briefly before the Moroccan fans rallied behind their team again.
With the tie level at 1–1, Pyramids hold a slight psychological edge ahead of the return leg in Cairo.
In one of Africa’s most iconic rivalries, Espérance Tunis defeated Al Ahly 1–0 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash. A second-half penalty proved decisive in this fiercely contested encounter.
The first half was extremely tight, with both teams prioritizing defensive organization. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute, when Tougaï converted a penalty to give Espérance the lead. Al Ahly pushed forward aggressively during the final minutes but struggled to break through the Tunisian defensive structure.
Tougaï’s composure from the penalty spot proved crucial for Espérance. Both goalkeepers also delivered several important saves to keep their teams' sides within reach.
Espérance used a disciplined defensive structure, allowing Al Ahly possession but limiting clear chances. The Tunisian side focused on counterattacks and set-piece opportunities.
The stadium in Tunis was packed with passionate supporters who celebrated wildly when Tougaï scored the decisive penalty. The electric atmosphere reflected the importance of the rivalry.
Espérance carry a 1–0 advantage to Cairo, setting up another dramatic chapter in this historic CAF Champions League rivalry.