Title-holders Al Ahly got the job done, Pyramids FC held their nerve, and Mamelodi Sundowns kept it cool—all three punching their tickets to the CAF Champions League semi-finals after tense second-leg ties on Tuesday.
In Nouakchott, Emam Ashour’s 80th-minute goal sealed a 1-0 win for Al Ahly over Al Hilal, wrapping up a 2-0 aggregate victory.
The Sudanese side, forced to play home games far from home due to civil war, missed the presence of injured star Mohamed Abdelrahman—and paid the price as Ahly’s experience and defensive solidity proved too much.
It got nervy in Meknes, where debutants Pyramids lost 2-0 to FAR Rabat, but still squeezed through 4-3 on aggregate thanks to their commanding first-leg lead.
Early and late goals from El Fahli and Beya gave FAR hope, but Pyramids held on, just barely, to book their place in the last four.
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It wasn’t pretty, but Sundowns won’t care. A goalless draw in Tunisia was enough to edge Esperance 1-0 on aggregate and avenge last season’s semi-final loss. VAR denied the hosts a goal, while Marcelo Allende came close with a first-half rocket that hit the bar.
Extra sweet for coach Miguel Cardoso, who was sacked by Esperance last year and is now steering Sundowns toward glory.
Al Ahly and Sundowns last clashed in the African football league in 2023. Photo Credit: X
Semi-final Line-up:
Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns – a heavyweight showdown.
Pyramids vs Orlando Pirates/Mouloudia Alger – Pirates lead 1-0 ahead of Wednesday’s clash in Soweto.
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The semi-finals are set for April, with the two-legged final scheduled for May 24 and June 1. The winners walk away with $4 million and continental bragging rights.
