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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2024‑25 Champions League quarter‑finals take place?
The first‑leg fixtures are on 1 April 2025 at 20:00 local time, with the return legs on 8 and 9 April 2025.
Which clubs are facing each other in the quarter‑finals?
Al Ahly vs Al Hilal, Pyramids FC vs AS FAR, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Espérance de Tunis, and Orlando Pirates vs MC Alger.
Who won the 2024‑25 Champions League?
Pyramids FC lifted the trophy, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3‑2 on aggregate in the two‑leg final.
When will the 2025/26 inter‑club draw be held?
The draw will take place in Johannesburg on 3 November 2025, with the CAF Confederation Cup draw at 13:00 and the Champions League draw at 14:00 South African time.
What does the Champions League victory mean for the winning club?
Besides the trophy, the champions qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, secure increased prize money, and attract higher‑profile sponsorships and player transfers.
Post Comments (11)
Great to see the calendar finally locked in, it really helps clubs plan ahead, and fans can mark their diaries, especially with those April quarter‑finals! The draw in Cairo set up some thrilling match‑up s, Al Ahly versus Al Hilal looks like a classic defensive battle, while the South African derby promises fireworks. Also, the November draw in Johannesburg gives everyone a clear road to the 2025‑26 season, which should boost sponsorships. Looking forward to seeing how the expanded broadcasting deal brings the games to more screens across the continent, especially in places like Nairobi and Lagos. All in all, a solid step forward for African football!!
Oh, brilliant, another calendar to keep us guessing until the very last minute-because we all love living on the edge, right? CAF’s ability to release dates is truly a masterpiece of suspense, rivaling any thriller series. And those “thrilling” match‑ups? Al Ahly vs Al Hilal? How original-just what the world needs, another defensive snoozefest. The “expanded broadcasting deal” will surely make every match a cinematic event, assuming we can actually stream them without a thousand pop‑up ads. In short, this is groundbreaking… if groundbreaking means nothing changes.
The new CAF calendar provides much‑needed clarity for clubs planning their preseason preparations. Knowing that the quarter‑final first legs start on 1 April gives coaches a fixed target for squad rotation. Teams can now schedule their training camps to peak fitness at the right time, rather than guessing. The one‑week gap between the two legs also reduces the risk of fixture congestion, especially for clubs competing in domestic leagues. The draw in Cairo produced interesting pairings, with Al Ahly facing Al Hilal presenting a tactical battle between disciplined defence and physicality. Pyramids FC’s attacking flair, highlighted by Ahmed Moussa’s brace, will be a key factor against AS FAR’s disciplined structure. South African clubs, Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, will benefit from reduced travel strain thanks to the compact schedule. The November inter‑club draw in Johannesburg will allow teams to secure their group‑stage opponents well before the qualification phase begins. This early knowledge can influence transfer market decisions, as clubs may target specific player profiles to suit anticipated opponents. The expanded broadcasting deal, now reaching over 95 territories, promises greater commercial revenue that can be reinvested in youth academies. More exposure also means scouts from European leagues will have easier access to watch emerging talents during the quarter‑finals. From a financial standpoint, sponsors like TotalEnergies will likely increase their investment as viewership numbers grow. Players will also benefit from the clearer schedule, as it helps national team coaches avoid international break conflicts. Overall, the transparent timeline improves logistical planning for everything from travel arrangements to ticket sales. In summary, CAF’s proactive scheduling sets a solid foundation for the growth of African club football in the coming years.
I completely agree with the points raised about scheduling benefits. The clarity really does help both players and staff manage their workloads. It’s encouraging to see CAF thinking ahead for the sport’s development.
Exactly, and beyond that, the early draw also lets clubs negotiate sponsorship deals with concrete timelines, which can boost their financial stability.
The CAF announcement also outlines the qualification phase dates, which start on 16 September 2025 and conclude on 1 November 2025. This period allows sufficient time for home‑and‑away legs without overburdening the players. Additionally, the clear timeline aids national federations in coordinating international fixtures.
Esteemed colleagues, the delineated schedule constitutes a strategic advancement for the Confederation of African Football. By furnishing unequivocal dates, the organization enhances operational efficacy and promotes equitable competition across member associations. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to adhere to these timelines to ensure the seamless execution of forthcoming tournaments.
Absolutely love the professionalism! 🚀 This clear roadmap will fire up the fans and clubs alike! 🎉 Let's gear up for some epic matches!
Can't wait for the next draw 😊
Oh sure, because waiting two months for a draw is exactly the thrill we all signed up for, right? At least the suspense keeps us on our toes.
Let's bring that energy to the pitch and make history together!