Africa’s premier club competition is reaching its fever pitch. Following a weekend of high-stakes drama across the continent, the CAF Champions League 2025/26 semi-final lineup is officially locked in.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns remain the last standing hope for COSAFA as they prepare to face Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis. Meanwhile, an all-Moroccan showdown between AS FAR Rabat and RS Berkane ensures that the Kingdom of Morocco will have a guaranteed representative in the grand finale.
The Road to the Last Four: How They Got Here
Mamelodi Sundowns: The Great Escape
The Brazilians secured their fourth consecutive semi-final appearance, though it wasn’t without a scare. Despite a 2-0 loss away to Stade Malien in Bamako, Sundowns’ clinical 3-0 performance in the first leg in Pretoria carried them through 3-2 on aggregate. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side will need to tighten up as they head back into North Africa.
Esperance: The Giant Killers
Tunisia’s Esperance delivered the shock of the tournament by eliminating 12-time champions Al Ahly. In a dramatic second leg in Cairo, Esperance snatched a stoppage-time winner to secure a 3-2 victory (4-2 aggregate), ending the Egyptian giants’ campaign and solidifying their status as title favorites.
The Moroccan Dominance
- AS FAR Rabat: Produced a clinical masterclass to knock out the defending champions, Pyramids FC, with a 2-1 win in Cairo (3-2 aggregate).
- RS Berkane: Broke Al Hilal hearts in Kigali with a 93rd-minute winner to advance 2-1 on aggregate, completing an incredible weekend for Moroccan football.
CAF Champions League Semi-Final Fixtures
Mark your calendars for these massive two-legged encounters this April:
First Leg
- AS FAR Rabat vs. RS Berkane: 11 April | 21:00
- Esperance vs. Mamelodi Sundowns: 12 April | 21:00
Second Leg
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Esperance: 18 April | 15:00
- RS Berkane vs. AS FAR Rabat: 18 April | 21:00
