CAF Sets 2024-25 Champions League Quarterfinals Dates, 2025/26 Draw

When Confederation of African Football (CAF) released its official calendar on Monday, clubs across the continent got a clear picture of when the drama will unfold. The governing body confirmed that the 2024‑25 Champions League quarter‑finals will kick off on 1 April 2025, with the second legs a week later, and also announced the dates for next season’s inter‑club group‑stage draw.

Schedule confirmation and draw details

Here’s the thing: the quarter‑final draw was held on 20 February 2025 in Cairo, and the match‑ups were set in stone. According to the official announcement on CAFonline.com, the first legs start at 20:00 local time on 1 April, while the return fixtures are slated for 8 and 9 April.

But wait – the story doesn’t stop at the knockout stage. CAF also revealed that the inter‑club group‑stage draw for the 2025/26 season will be staged in Johannesburg on Monday, 3 November 2025, at the SuperSport studios. The Confederation said the CAF Confederation Cup draw will kick off at 13:00 South African time, followed by the Champions League draw at 14:00. This timing aligns with the start of the qualification phase on 16 September 2025.

Quarter‑final match‑ups and results

The four ties that emerged from the draw feature some of Africa’s biggest names:

• Al Ahly (Egypt) vs Al Hilal (Sudan)
• Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs AS FAR (Morocco)
• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
• Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs MC Alger (Algeria)

Al Ahly edged Al Hilal 2‑0 on aggregate (1‑0, 1‑0). The Egyptian side’s disciplined defence proved decisive, and the win marked the club’s 11th appearance in a Champions League final.

Pyramids FC survived a roller‑coaster against AS FAR, pulling a 4‑3 aggregate win after a 4‑1 first‑leg blitz followed by a 0‑2 setback. The Egyptian club’s attacking firepower – highlighted by midfielder Ahmed Moussa’s brace – kept them afloat.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns squeezed past Espérance de Tunis with a narrow 1‑0 aggregate, the only goal coming from a late header in the first leg. The Sundowns’ coach described the result as "a testament to our resilience".

Orlando Pirates also went through 1‑0 on aggregate, courtesy of a solitary goal in the first leg that held up under pressure in the return match.

Final showdown and champion crowned

The semi‑finals produced a repeat of an all‑Egyptian clash, with Al Ahly meeting Pyramids FC, while the South African derby of Sundowns versus Orlando Pirates decided the other finalist. Pyramids FC emerged victorious in the final, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3‑2 on aggregate (1‑1, 2‑1). The first leg, played in front of 50,000 fans, ended in a tense draw, but the second leg saw the Egyptian side seal the title with a decisive second‑half strike.

Both matches were officiated by Sudanese referee Mahmood Ismail, who praised the players for "showing the highest level of professionalism".

For the champion, the prize isn’t just a trophy. Pyramids FC now locks in a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup, a platform that could boost the club’s global brand and attract further investment.

Upcoming draws and the roadmap to 2025/26

Looking ahead, CAF’s schedule for the 2025/26 season is already shaping up. After the November draw in Johannesburg, the qualification phase will run from 16 September to 1 November 2025, after which the group stage kicks off.

The quarter‑finals for that season are slated for 28 February 2026, with first legs on 13‑14 March and second legs on 20‑21 March. By mapping out these dates now, CAF hopes clubs can plan logistics, player rotations, and commercial campaigns well in advance.

Potentially, the expanded broadcasting deal – which already reaches over 95 territories – will see more matches aired on digital platforms, offering fans in Nairobi, Lagos, and Accra better access.

Broader impact on African football

Why does any of this matter to the average fan? The Champions League is the continent’s premier club competition, and its visibility drives revenue streams for domestic leagues. Sponsorship from TotalEnergies has surged, with the energy giant’s branding appearing on kits, stadium screens, and official communications.

Moreover, the tournament serves as a talent showcase. Players from the quarter‑finals have seen interest from European clubs, with recent transfers to Ligue 1 and the Premier League underscoring the competition’s scouting value.

Finally, the schedule’s clarity helps national federations coordinate international break windows, reducing fixture congestion and lowering injury risk for players who juggle club and country duties.