The CAF Confederation Cup returns to action this weekend, with the first leg clashes of the tournament’s quarterfinals taking place across the continent.
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With four fixtures taking place across Saturday and Sunday, the continent’s elite will continue to fight for silverware with each side looking to gain an advantage in the first games of their two-legged clashes.
The weekend’s action begins on Saturday as AS Otohô host Egyptian giants Zamalek at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat in Brazzaville. Kick-off will be at 3pm CAT.
AS Otohô finished as runners-up in Group C with an even three wins and three losses, four points above last season’s semifinalists Stellenbosch. They will be looking to use home-ground advantage and establish a lead before heading to Egypt.
Zamalek topped Group D with three wins, two draws and one loss. The Egyptian Premier League leaders will be aiming to claim the tournament’s title for the third time since the 2018/19 season, starting with an away win in central Africa.
The second game of the weekend takes place between Al Masry and CR Belouizdad at the New Suez Stadium in Suez, also on Saturday. Kick-off is at 10pm CAT.
Al Masry snuck into the knockout stage, edging Kaizer Chiefs by one goal on goal difference as both teams managed three wins, one draw and two losses. They are aiming to advance to the semifinals of the competition for the first time since 2018.
CR Belouizdad clinched top spot in Group C with an impressive five wins and only one loss. Unbeaten in its last nine games across all competitions, the Les Rouges will look to keep the momentum rolling.
Sunday’s first matchup pits Maniema Union against USM Alger at the Stade du TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, kicking-off at 3pm CAT.
The Congolese side finished second in Group B, collecting four wins alongside 2 losses. They will be leaning on their home crowd and the stadium which has proven difficult for both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns this season.
USM Alger impressed in Group A, going undefeated with four wins and two draws. They will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
In the last quarterfinal first leg clash, OC Safi are set to tackle Wydad in an all-Moroccan affair at the Stade El Massira in Safi, kicking off at midnight on Monday.
Wydad dominated Group B with five wins and one loss while OC Safi finished second in Group A with a strong four wins, one draw and one loss.
The Red Devils emerged as victors when the two sides met in November in the Botola Pro 1, a result that OC Safi will be looking to overturn.
With the Moroccan duo the only quarterfinal pair to have faced one another before, the weekend is set to bring with it fiery introductions and goals galore as each team attempts to take control of its respective tie.
Confederation Cup quarterfinal 1st-leg fixtures
Saturday, 14 March
15:00 CAT - AS Otohô (Republic of the Congo) v Zamalek (Egypt)
22:00 CAT - Al Masry (Egypt) v CR Belouizdad (Morocco)
Sunday, 15 March
15:00 CAT - Maniema Union (DR Congo) v USM Alger (Algeria)
Monday, 16 March
00:00 CAT - Olympic Club de Safi (Morocco) v Wydad AC (Morocco)