The CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw has officially been conducted in Doha, Qatar, setting the stage for an intense knockout phase as top African clubs battle for continental glory. The draw, held in an electrifying atmosphere, has produced fascinating matchups that promise high-stakes football action.
With some of Africa’s biggest clubs still in contention, the road to the semi-finals is expected to be fiercely competitive. Let’s take a closer look at the quarter-final pairings and what fans can expect from these crucial encounters.
CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final Fixtures
The draw revealed four intriguing matchups, featuring clubs with rich histories and ambitions of lifting the coveted CAF Confederation Cup trophy. Here are the quarter-final fixtures:
- Dreams FC (Ghana) vs Stade Malien (Mali)
- RS Berkane (Morocco) vs USM Alger (Algeria)
- Zamalek SC (Egypt) vs Modern Future FC (Egypt)
- Rivers United (Nigeria) vs Abu Salem (Libya)
These ties will be played over two legs, with the first legs scheduled for March 31 – April 1, 2025, and the return fixtures set for April 7-8, 2025.
Key Matchups to Watch
Zamalek SC vs Modern Future FC: Egyptian Derby with High Stakes
One of the standout fixtures from the draw is the all-Egyptian clash between Zamalek SC and Modern Future FC. Zamalek, a powerhouse in African football, is seeking to add another CAF title to their decorated history, while Modern Future FC, a rising force in Egyptian football, will be eager to cause an upset.
The rivalry between these two Egyptian sides will bring an extra layer of intensity to the quarterfinals, as both teams are familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Rivers United vs Abu Salem: Nigerian Champions Face Libyan Challenge
Nigeria’s Rivers United will go head-to-head against Abu Salem, a club that has shown resilience throughout the competition. Rivers United, one of Nigeria’s top football clubs, will be hoping to make history by reaching the semi-finals, but Abu Salem will not be an easy opponent.
Rivers United’s success will largely depend on their attacking firepower and ability to perform under pressure in the away fixture in Libya.
Read also: Flying Eagles Set for Tough U-20 AFCON Challenge Against Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa
RS Berkane vs USM Alger: North African Battle
Another exciting fixture pits RS Berkane of Morocco against USM Alger of Algeria in what promises to be a tactical battle between two well-organized teams. Berkane, the 2020 and 2022 CAF Confederation Cup winners, will look to use their experience to overcome a defensively strong USM Alger side.
With both teams having tasted continental success in recent years, this fixture could be one of the most closely contested ties in the quarterfinals.
Dreams FC vs Stade Malien: West African Clash
Ghana’s Dreams FC and Mali’s Stade Malien will go head-to-head in a West African showdown. Stade Malien, a seasoned CAF campaigner, will be relying on their experience, while Dreams FC, known for their youthful squad, will look to play fearless attacking football.
The Road to the Final
The winners of these quarter-final clashes will advance to the semi-finals, bringing them one step closer to lifting the CAF Confederation Cup trophy. The semi-finals will take place in April and May 2025, leading to the final showdown in May 2025.
Defending champions USM Alger remain one of the favorites, but with surprises always a possibility in African football, fans can expect an unpredictable and thrilling knockout phase.
CAF has confirmed that VAR technology will be used throughout the knockout stages to ensure fairness and accuracy in refereeing decisions. Additionally, each club will be allowed to register a maximum of 40 players, giving teams depth as they navigate this demanding phase of the competition.
With teams already preparing for their upcoming clashes, football fans across Africa and beyond are in for an action-packed quarter-final stage. Stay tuned as the CAF Confederation Cup 2025 delivers unforgettable football moments, breathtaking goals, and fierce rivalries on the continent’s grand stage.