As the group stage of the CAF Champions League approaches its thrilling conclusion this weekend, the spotlight is on the remaining two quarter-final spots, while battles for top positions in several groups promise high-stakes drama.
Six teams — Al Hilal, FAR Rabat, Al Ahly, Orlando Pirates, Esperance, and Pyramids — have already punched their tickets to the last eight, but the fight for supremacy in their groups is far from over.
Groups A and B remain wide open, with Young Africans, MC Alger, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Raja Casablanca all vying to advance.
Meanwhile, Groups C and D feature intense contests to determine the top seeds, with Al Ahly, Orlando Pirates, Esperance, and Pyramids eager to finish strong and secure favourable quarter-final draws.
The stakes could not be higher as Africa’s elite clubs seek to solidify their dominance, while underdogs fight to keep their dreams alive. Here’s a look at the decisive final group stage matchups.
Group A
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 with 8 points, needing only a draw to progress, while Young Africans, with 7 points, must secure a win to leapfrog their Algerian rivals.
Young Africans have momentum after their stunning 1-0 win over Al Hilal in Sudan, led by the impressive Aziz Ki. Meanwhile, MC Alger’s 1-0 victory against TP Mazembe, courtesy of Akram Bouras, ensures they remain unbeaten in four matches. This decisive clash promises fireworks as both sides aim for glory.
TP Mazembe vs Al Hilal Omdurman (Saturday, 1600 GMT)
Already eliminated, TP Mazembe will look to salvage pride when they host group leaders Al Hilal. The Sudanese giants, who suffered their first defeat last week against Young Africans, will aim to finish the group on a high. Mohamed Abdelrahman and Jean Girumugisha have been instrumental in Hilal’s campaign and will be key to maintaining their dominance.
Group B
Mamelodi Sundowns vs FAR Rabat (Sunday, 1600 GMT)
Group leaders FAR Rabat, with 9 points, have already secured their quarter-final spot. However, second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns (8 points) are still under threat from Raja Casablanca. The South African side will need a win at Loftus Versfeld Stadium to ensure their progression without depending on other results.
Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in their first meeting, with Khalid Aït Ouarkhane and Iqraam Rayners on the scoresheet. Sundowns will rely on their home form, where they are unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions.
Raja Casablanca vs Maniema Union (Sunday, 1600 GMT)
Raja Casablanca, third with 5 points, face bottom-placed Maniema Union, who are already eliminated. To advance, Raja must win and hope FAR Rabat defeat Mamelodi Sundowns. The Moroccan giants will also need to improve their goal difference to overtake Sundowns if they finish level on points.
Naoufel Zerhouni and Younes Najjari are Raja’s key players, while Maniema Union will look to spoil their party despite their poor form.
Group C
Al Ahly vs Orlando Pirates (Saturday, 1600 GMT)
This heavyweight clash at Cairo International Stadium will determine the group winners. Both teams are through to the quarter-finals, with Orlando Pirates leading on 11 points, one ahead of Al Ahly.
Emam Ashour has been the standout performer for Al Ahly, scoring four goals in the tournament, while Pirates boast a lethal duo in Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha.
Belouizdad vs Stade d’Abidjan (Saturday, 1600 GMT)
With both teams eliminated, this match at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 is a formality. Belouizdad will aim to finish third in the group, while Stade d’Abidjan search for their first win in the competition.
Group D
Esperance vs Sagrada Esperança (Saturday, 1900 GMT)
Esperance and Pyramids have already qualified, but top spot in the group remains undecided. Esperance, leading with 10 points, need a win to guarantee finishing first. The Tunisian giants are on a 23-match unbeaten streak at home and will look to extend it against third-placed Sagrada.
Pyramids vs Djoliba (Saturday, 1900 GMT)
Pyramids host Djoliba in Cairo, aiming for a win and hoping Esperance stumble to claim the group’s top spot. Ibrahim Adel, with three goals, has been a standout for the Egyptian side. Djoliba, winless in the tournament, face a tough challenge.
