AFCON 2025
The race for CAF Champions League glory intensified over the weekend as Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Pyramids FC booked their places in the semi-finals after a gripping set of quarter-final second legs.
Defending champions Al Ahly edged past Al Hilal with a 1-0 win in Mauritania to seal a 2-0 aggregate victory, while Sundowns held firm in a goalless draw against Espérance to progress by a solitary goal.
Meanwhile, Pyramids FC made history by reaching their first-ever semi-final despite a 2-0 defeat to FAR Rabat, riding on their commanding first-leg advantage.
Here’s a rundown of all the action as it happened.
Al Ahly 1–0 Al Hilal
Al Ahly secured a 1-0 win over Al Hilal in the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final in Mauritania, sealing a 2-0 aggregate victory and booking their spot in a record 21st semi-final — their sixth in a row.
Imam Ashour was the match-winner once again, scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute after a disciplined performance from the Egyptian giants.
Al Hilal had their chances, particularly a one-on-one for Ahmed Salem in the second half, but were denied by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
With this win, Al Ahly advance to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, reigniting a fierce recent rivalry in African football.
Mamelodi Sundowns 0–0 Espérance Tunis
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a spot in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after a 0-0 draw against Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Rades, progressing 1-0 on aggregate thanks to Peter Shalulile’s first-leg goal.
Espérance applied early pressure, but Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made key saves, including a crucial stop from Youcef Belaili.
Sundowns maintained composure and possession under pressure, nearly doubling their lead with close chances from Lucas Ribeiro and Marcello Allende, the latter hitting the woodwork.
Espérance thought they had equalized through Achref Jabri, but VAR ruled the goal offside.
The match ended goalless, sending Sundowns into a semi-final clash against defending champions Al Ahly SC, who defeated Al Hilal 2-0 on aggregate.
Pyramids FC 0–2 FAR Rabat
Pyramids FC advanced to their first-ever CAF Champions League semi-final despite a 2-0 loss to FAR Rabat in the second leg, progressing 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a commanding 4-1 win in Cairo last week.
FAR Rabat started strongly, with Youssef El-Fahli scoring early and substitute Joel Villa adding a second late on, but they fell just short of a comeback. Pyramids FC held firm under intense pressure, with goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy making key saves.
The Egyptian side now awaits the winner of the Orlando Pirates vs. MC Alger tie as they continue their historic run in African club football.
