Sundowns, Pirates learn quarterfinal fate

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates received favourable draws in the CAF Champions league and Confederation Cup quarterfinals respectively, and will be confident of advancing to the next stage of their competitions.

Sundowns will take on Angolan side Petro Atletico in their Champions League quarterfinal, and given the latter’s poor record against South African sides, including recently, should be confident of getting through.

But potentially waiting for them in the semifinals is old foe Wydad Casablanca from Morocco. That is assuming they get past Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad as expected.

Sundowns and Wydad have had some epic battles over the last few years, while Kaizer Chiefs knocked the Moroccans out at the semifinal stage last year.

Pitso Mosimane has a tough path to a third successive Champions League win after his Al Ahly side drew Raja Casablanca in the quarterfinals.

He could conceivably have to beat Raja, Tunisian giants Esperance and Sundowns to lift the trophy this season.

The first legs of the quarterfinals will be played on 15-16 April, with the second on 22-23 April. The semifinals are on 6-7 May and 13-14 May.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will take on Tanzanian side Simba SC in the quarterfinals of the Confederation Cup, a tricky but winnable tie for The Buccaneers.

Simba met Kaizer Chiefs in the Champions League quarterfinals last season, with the AmaKhosi winning 4-0 at home but then losing 3-0 away.

If they advance past the Tanzanians, Pirates will meet the winner of the clash between Libyan duo of Al-Ittihad and Al Ahli Tripoli in the semis.

Pirates met Al-Ittihad in the group stages this year and although they lost 3-2 away and drew 0-0 at home, were below-par in both those games and might fancy their chances in a rematch.

The rest of the draw saw Pyramids FC of Egypt take on TP Mazembe from DR Congo in what will be a tight tie, while Al Masry of Egypt take on 2020 Confederation Cup winners RS Berkane from Morocco.

The quarterfinals will be played on 17 and 24 April while the semis are scheduled for 8 and 15 May.