The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 is set for a defining weekend, with four semi-final spots on the line as the quarter-final second legs take place across the continent.
Following a tightly contested first set of matches, the competition remains wide open. After the opening legs, only one side, DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union, holds a narrow lead, while the other three ties are level on aggregate heading into the return fixtures.
Maniema Union Take Slim Lead to Algeria
Maniema Union will travel to Algeria with a 2-1 advantage over USM Alger following their first-leg victory in Lubumbashi. The team from DR Congo showed efficiency in important moments to secure the win. However, USM Alger now return to their home ground knowing that a strong performance in front of their own supporters could allow them to overturn the deficit and book a place in the semi-finals.
Algerian and Egyptian Sides Locked at One Apiece
In Algiers, CR Belouizdad will welcome Egypt’s Al Masry SC after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first meeting. The Algerian club’s late equalizer while playing away from home has set up a finely balanced contest. With the tie level, qualification is expected to be decided by small margins when the two teams meet again.
Zamalek Aim to Use Home Support to Advance
Zamalek SC will look to turn home advantage into progression when they host AS Otoho in Cairo. The Egyptian side earned a 1-1 draw in Brazzaville, a result that leaves them in a favorable position. However, the visitors from Congo have already shown they can cause problems for their opponents and remain firmly in the race for a place in the next round.
All-Moroccan Tie Set for Decisive Clash in Casablanca
An all-Moroccan clash between Wydad Athletic Club and Olympique Club de Safi is also delicately balanced following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. With the return fixture set for Casablanca, both sides will aim to seize control in what promises to be another closely contested encounter.
Across the four ties, the first-leg results reflect the competitiveness of this year’s tournament, where no team has been able to establish a clear advantage at this stage of the competition. The upcoming matches will now determine which four clubs advance to the semi-finals, as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
With qualification still within reach for all eight teams, anticipation is building for what could be a dramatic and unpredictable conclusion to the quarter-finals.
Quarter-Final Second-Leg Fixtures (All times in GMT)
Saturday, 21 March
19:00 – CR Belouizdad (Algeria) vs Al Masry SC (Egypt)
Sunday, 22 March
16:00 – Zamalek SC (Egypt) vs AS Otoho (Congo)
18:00 – Wydad AC (Morocco) vs Olympique Club de Safi (Morocco)
19:00 – USM Alger (Algeria) vs AS Maniema Union (DR Congo)