Building on their group stage dominance, North African clubs advanced to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup quarterfinals, eliminating several Egyptian powerhouses amid upsets, controversies, and tense finishes. Five key return-leg matches shaped the next round.
Following the group stages where Egypt and Morocco secured most knockout spots—as covered previously—North African teams continued their strong showing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup quarterfinal return legs.
In the Champions League, Morocco's AS FAR avenged last year's loss by beating Egypt's Pyramids FC 2-1 in Cairo (after a 1-1 first leg), with goals from Reda Slim's volley and a header; Fiston Mayele's late reply wasn't enough. Tunisia's Esperance de Tunis ousted Egypt's Al Ahly with a 3-2 win in Cairo (after trailing 1-0 aggregate), featuring Trzeguet's equalizer, countered by Danho, Touagay's penalty, and Jelassi's header. South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns advanced past Stade Malien despite a 2-0 second-leg loss. Morocco's RS Berkane edged Sudan's Al Hilal in extra time in Kigali after a missed penalty, amid referee controversy and rigging allegations.
In the Confederation Cup, Egypt's Zamalek held off Republic of Congo's Otohô d'Oyo despite a red card. Algeria's USMA Alger overturned a deficit against DR Congo's Maniema Union with Benzaza's goal. Morocco's Olympique Safi upset Wydad Casablanca after the hosts' goalkeeper was sent off, equalizing before Kone's late winner. Algeria's CR Belouizdad advanced via a 0-0 draw with Egypt's Al Masry.
Semifinals: Champions League—Esperance vs. Mamelodi Sundowns, AS FAR vs. RS Berkane; Confederation Cup—USMA Alger vs. Olympique Safi, CR Belouizdad vs. Zamalek. Three Egyptian teams (Al Ahly, Pyramids FC, Al Masry) exited, sparking talks of coaching changes.
