The anticipation is building as the eight remaining contenders in the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup prepare to learn their fate in the quarter-final draw, scheduled to take place at the state-of-the-art beIN SPORTS studios in Doha, Qatar on Thursday.
The draw, commencing at 16h00 Cairo time (18h00 EAT), will determine the pathway to the final for the clubs that have battled through the intense group stages.
The format will see the four group winners pitted against the four runners-up, with the caveat that teams from the same group cannot be drawn against each other.
Furthermore, the semi-final draw will be conducted simultaneously, adding another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
Group Winners
- SIMBA SC (Tanzania): Under the guidance of South African coach Fadlu Davids, Simba SC topped their group with an impressive 13 points. Aiming for their best-ever finish in the competition, they hope to surpass their 2021-22 quarter-final appearance.
- RS BERKANE (Morocco): A dominant force in recent years, RS Berkane, led by Tunisian coach Mouin Chaâbani, secured a staggering 16 points in the group stage, conceding only one goal. With two titles in the last six seasons, they are determined to reclaim their crown.
- USM ALGER (Algeria): The 2022-23 champions, USM Alger, boasting the competition’s top scorer in Ismaïl Belkacemi, who netted five goals, are a formidable opponent. Newly appointed Brazilian coach Marcos Paquetá brings a wealth of African experience.
- ZAMALEK SC (Egypt): The reigning champions, Zamalek SC, cruised through the group stage unbeaten, securing 14 points. With Portuguese coach José Peseiro, a former Al Ahly and Nigeria national team coach, at the helm, they are poised for a strong title defense.
Group Runners-Up
- AL MASRY FC (Egypt): Finishing second to Zamalek in their group, Al Masry, coached by Ali Maher, will be keen to improve on their 2018 semi-final appearance.
- ASEC MIMOSAS (Cote d’Ivoire): ASEC Mimosas, under French coach Julien Chevalier, secured their place in the quarter-finals by edging ASC Jaraaf on head-to-head. They aim to surpass their 2022-23 semi-final showing.
- CS CONSTANTINE (Algeria): In their debut group stage campaign, CS Constantine, coached by Kheïreddine Madoui, impressed with 12 points. They look to build on this success and make a deep run in the tournament.
- STELLENBOSCH FC (South Africa): Making their CAF Interclub debut, Stellenbosch FC, coached by Steve Barker, defied expectations by qualifying for the quarter-finals. Their youthful squad will be eager to test themselves against the continent’s best.Doha Set for High-Stakes CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final Draw.
The draw in Doha will not only determine the quarter-final matchups but also provide a glimpse into the potential semi-final clashes.
The group stages were filled with drama and excitement. Simba SC’s late victory against CS Sfaxien, and Black Bulls Maputo’s stunning win over Enyimba, were among the standout moments.
