The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals promise high drama as eight of Africa’s top clubs battle for places in the semi-finals.
First-leg matches are scheduled to begin on Friday, 13 March, with the continent’s elite sides preparing for decisive encounters across Africa.
Clubs from Cairo, Tunis, Rabat and Pretoria have relied on influential performers to reach the last eight. As the tournament enters its decisive phase, individual brilliance could determine which teams progress.
Several established internationals and emerging talents have already made decisive contributions during the group stage.
Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” has been central to Al Ahly’s push for another continental crown. The 31-year-old Egyptian winger leads the competition’s scoring chart with five goals and one assist.
Trezeguet’s experience and ability to arrive in the box at the right moment could prove crucial when Al Ahly face Espérance Sportive de Tunis in one of the most anticipated ties of the round.
Espérance will look to 19-year-old forward Aboubacar Diakité to provide attacking inspiration. The Malian striker has scored three goals in the competition and has impressed with his composure in front of goal.
His pace and direct approach have troubled defenders throughout the tournament, and Espérance will hope he can continue his impressive breakthrough campaign against the Egyptian champions.
Mamelodi Sundowns will depend on Portuguese playmaker Nuno Santos to control the midfield. The 27-year-old has scored two goals and provided two assists in the competition.
Santos is known for his vision and technical ability, often dictating the tempo of Sundowns’ play and linking defence with attack. His creativity could prove decisive when the South African club face Stade Malien.
Cameroon striker Taddeus Nkeng has also played a key role in Stade Malien’s impressive run. The 26-year-old scored two goals during the group stage to help the Bamako side reach the knockout phase for the first time in nearly three decades.
Nkeng’s physical strength and finishing ability will be vital as Stade Malien attempt to extend their remarkable campaign against Sundowns.
AS FAR Rabat forward Mouchcine Bouriga has contributed more than his goal tally suggests. Although he has scored once in the competition, his relentless movement and pressing have been essential to his team’s attacking play.
Bouriga’s work rate could prove important when AS FAR face defending champions Pyramids FC.
Pyramids will rely on the form of 23-year-old forward Ahmed Atef, who has scored four goals in the tournament. His sharp finishing and intelligent movement have made him one of the competition’s most dangerous attackers.
Atef’s goals could play a decisive role in Pyramids’ attempt to defend their title against the Moroccan side.
RS Berkane will look to Senegalese forward Paul Bassène to continue his strong form. The 25-year-old has scored three goals in the competition and has been a key figure in the club’s attacking play.
Bassène’s pace and direct running make him a constant threat, particularly in counterattacking situations. His influence could be decisive when Berkane face Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman.
Al Hilal’s hopes will rest largely on experienced striker Abdelraziq Omer. The Sudanese international has scored four goals and provided one assist, making him one of the tournament’s leading scorers.
Omer’s leadership and finishing ability will be crucial as Al Hilal seek to overcome Berkane and advance to the semi-finals.
With the quarter-finals set to begin on 13 March, the performances of these key players could determine which clubs move closer to lifting Africa’s most prestigious club trophy.
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