CAF Champions League Quarterfinals: Underdogs Shine as Giants Struggle

The CAF Champions League is shaping up to be a fierce struggle, with underdogs vying for a deep run in the competition.

Egypt's Pyramids FC and South Africa's Orlando Pirates have emerged as major competitors, with comfortable leads in their quarterfinal matches. In contrast, last year’s finalists—Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis—have struggled, showing vulnerabilities that could put their title hopes at risk.

Second Leg Fixtures

Tuesday, April 8

• Espérance de Tunis vs Mamelodi Sundowns (19:00 GMT)
• Al Hilal vs Al Ahly (19:00 GMT)
• AS FAR vs Pyramids (19:00 GMT)

Wednesday, April 9

• Orlando Pirates vs MC Alger (16:00 GMT)

First Leg Results

• Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Espérance de Tunis
• Al Ahly 1-0 Al Hilal
• Pyramids 4-1 AS FAR
• Orlando Pirates 1-0 MC Alger

The question still stands as the return legs draw near: Will the up-and-coming contenders continue their run towards the semifinals, or can the established powerhouses recover?