As the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League reaches its thrilling conclusion this weekend, the focus shifts to the remaining two quarterfinal spots, with several groups still locked in intense battles for top positions. Six teams—Al Hilal, FAR Rabat, Al Ahly, Orlando Pirates, Esperance, and Pyramids—have already secured quarterfinal berths. However, the race for group supremacy and the remaining slots is far from over, with high stakes fueling the action. Groups A and B remain wide open, with Young Africans, MC Alger, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Raja Casablanca all in contention. Meanwhile, Groups C and D feature tight contests for top seeds as teams aim to secure favorable quarterfinal draws. Here’s a detailed preview of the decisive matches: Kenya working round the clock to complete stadia despite CHAN postponementGroup AYoung Africans vs. MC Alger (Saturday, 7:00 PM EAT)The Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Tanzania will host this high-stakes clash as Young Africans face MC Alger. With Al Hilal already through, the battle for the second spot intensifies. MC Alger, second with 8 points, needs only a draw to progress, while Young Africans, on 7 points, must win to leapfrog their Algerian rivals. Young Africans are riding high after a stunning 1-0 victory over Al Hilal in Sudan, led by Aziz Ki’s brilliance. Meanwhile, MC Alger maintained their unbeaten run in four matches with a narrow 1-0 win over TP Mazembe, courtesy of Akram Bouras. The stakes ensure this encounter will deliver fireworks. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8643023##TP Mazembe vs. Al Hilal Omdurman (Saturday, 7:00 PM EAT)TP Mazembe, already eliminated, will aim to salvage pride when they host group leaders Al Hilal. The Sudanese side, coming off their first defeat against Young Africans, will seek a strong finish. Mohamed Abdelrahman and Jean Girumugisha, pivotal in Hilal’s campaign, are expected to lead their charge. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8643022##Group B Mamelodi Sundowns vs. FAR Rabat (Sunday, 7:00 PM EAT)At Loftus Versfeld Stadium, second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns (8 points) host group leaders FAR Rabat, who have already qualified with 9 points. Sundowns need a win to ensure progression without relying on other results. The first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, with Khalid Aït Ouarkhane and Iqraam Rayners scoring. Sundowns’ formidable home record—unbeaten in their last 10 matches—provides a strong advantage. Raja Casablanca vs. Maniema Union (Sunday, 7:00 PM EAT) Raja Casablanca, third with 5 points, faces bottom-placed Maniema Union, who are out of contention. Raja must win and hope FAR Rabat defeat Sundowns to advance. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference to edge Sundowns if points are level. Key players Naoufel Zerhouni and Younes Najjari will be instrumental for Raja. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8643039##Group CAl Ahly vs. Orlando Pirates (Saturday, 7:00 PM EAT)This heavyweight clash at Cairo International Stadium will determine the group winner. Orlando Pirates lead with 11 points, one ahead of Al Ahly, and both teams are already through to the quarterfinals. Emam Ashour has been Al Ahly’s standout player, with four goals in the tournament, while the Pirates rely on their dynamic duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha. Belouizdad vs. Stade d’Abidjan (Saturday, 7:00 PM EAT) With both teams eliminated, this match at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 is a formality. Belouizdad aims to finish third, while Stade d’Abidjan chases their first win in the competition. Relief for Kenya as CAF postpones African Nations Championship (CHAN)D-Day CAF Champions league Young Africans vs MC Alger (Saturday, 1600 GMT) All eyes will be on the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Tanzania as Young Africans host MC Alger. With Al Hilal already qualified, the battle for the second ticket is fierce. MC Alger sit second… pic.twitter.com/sok5m1bsaI— Collins Okinyo (@bedjosessien) January 18, 2025 Group DEsperance vs. Sagrada Esperança (Saturday, 10:00 PM EAT)Esperance, leading the group with 10 points, hosts Sagrada Esperança at Rades Stadium. The Tunisian giants need a win to secure top spot, extending their impressive 23-match unbeaten home run. Pyramids vs. Djoliba (Saturday, 10:00 PM EAT) Kenyan midfielder ‘Ozil’ joins Yanga Princess from Police BulletsPyramids will host Djoliba at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, hoping to win and capitalize on any Esperance slip-up to claim first place. Ibrahim Adel, with three goals in the tournament, will lead the Pyramids’ charge against a winless Djoliba side. Additionally, reporting by CAF Online.
