The race for the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 remains wide open after a series of closely fought first-leg quarter-final matches across the continent.
None of the eight clubs managed to seize full control of their ties, with three matches ending in draws. AS Maniema Union recorded the only victory, edging USM Alger 2-1 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Morocco, Wydad Athletic Club were held to a 1-1 draw by Olympique Club de Safi in an all-Moroccan encounter. The result leaves the tie evenly balanced ahead of the return leg in Casablanca.
AS Maniema Union claimed a narrow advantage against USM Alger. Clément Pitroipa gave the hosts the lead before Ahmed Khaldi equalised early in the second half. Exaucia Moanda then scored the decisive goal to hand the Congolese side a slender lead heading into the second leg in Algiers.
CR Belouizdad also earned a positive result on the road after holding Al Masry SC to a 1-1 draw in Egypt, keeping their hopes of progression firmly intact.
Zamalek SC secured a valuable 1-1 draw away to AS Otoho in Brazzaville. Charles Atipo opened the scoring for the hosts, but Oday Dabbagh levelled before the break. The Egyptian side now return to Cairo knowing that a goalless draw will be enough to see them through.
The results underline the competitiveness of this season’s quarter-finals, with all teams still in contention ahead of the decisive second legs.
The return fixtures, scheduled for 21 and 22 March, will determine the semi-final line-up.
Quarter-final second-leg fixtures (GMT+1):
Friday, 21 March
20:00 – CR Belouizdad vs Al Masry SC
Saturday, 22 March
17:00 – Zamalek SC vs AS Otoho
19:00 – Wydad Athletic Club vs Olympique Club de Safi
20:00 – USM Alger vs AS Maniema Union
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