CAF Champions League 2024/25: Al-Hilal Secures Early Qualification, Intense Battles Await in Other Groups
Khaled Hegazy
Dailysports's expert
Sudan’s Al-Hilal became the first team to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League after an impressive group stage campaign. With 10 points from four matches, Al-Hilal leads Group A, leaving seven other Arab teams in fierce contention for the remaining seven spots in the knockout stage.
Group A: Al-Hilal Leads, Tight Race for Second Spot
Al-Hilal, runners-up in 1987 and 1992, has been dominant, winning three matches and drawing once. They have scored six goals and conceded only two. With matches against Tanzania’s Young Africans and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe remaining, Al-Hilal is well-positioned to finish as group leaders.
The battle for second place is intense. Algeria’s MC Alger holds second place with 5 points, followed by Young Africans with 4 points. TP Mazembe, with just 2 points, faces an uphill battle to qualify.
Group B: Moroccan Derby Looms as Key Fixture
With eight points, Morocco's AS FAR is in first place in Group B. Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa is next with five points, while Raja Casablanca is fourth with four. With three points, the DR Congo's Manieema Union comes in last.
The upcoming Moroccan derby between AS FAR and Raja Casablanca will be crucial, with Sundowns also eyeing qualification. Raja must secure positive results in their final two matches to keep their hopes alive.
Group C: Orlando Pirates in Command, Al Ahly Faces Pressure
South Africa’s Orlando Pirates top Group C with 8 points, followed by Egypt’s Al Ahly (7 points) and Algeria’s CR Belouizdad (6 points). Stade d’Abidjan of Ivory Coast, with just 1 point, is out of contention.
Al Ahly, the record 12-time champions, must win their next match against Stade d’Abidjan to set up a decisive clash with Orlando Pirates in the final round.
Group D: Three-Way Battle for Qualification
Tunisia’s Esperance and Egypt’s Pyramids FC lead Group D with 7 points each, with Angola’s Sagrada Esperança close behind at 5 points. Mali’s Djoliba, with 2 points, is on the brink of elimination.
Esperance and Pyramids face crucial away matches in the next round, with the final group games likely to decide the qualifiers.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, the CAF Champions League promises thrilling clashes as teams vie for quarterfinal spots.
