Moroccan Derby Headlines CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Finals

A high-stakes Moroccan derby between Olympique de Safi and Wydad Casablanca will headline the quarter-final stage of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, following Tuesday’s draw in Cairo.

The draw ceremony, conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), mapped out the path to the final for the eight remaining contenders, setting up intriguing North African and Central African showdowns.

All-Moroccan Clash Guarantees Semi-Final Spot

Olympique de Safi will host Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their tie, ensuring that Morocco will have at least one representative in the semi-finals. The clash pits two sides familiar with each other domestically, adding extra intensity to what is already a decisive knockout encounter.

Egyptian and Algerian Heavyweights in Action

Egyptian giants Zamalek SC will begin their campaign away to Congo’s AS Otoho, a tie that sees the five-time African champions seeking another continental crown.

Meanwhile, Al Masry SC will host Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in the first leg, in what promises to be a tightly contested North Africa battle.

In another compelling fixture, AS Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo will take on Algeria’s USM Alger, as the Congolese side looks to capitalise on home advantage in the opening leg.

Quarter-Final Fixtures

• QF1: Al Masry (Egypt) vs CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
• QF2: Olympique de Safi (Morocco) vs Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
• QF3: AS Otoho (Congo) vs Zamalek SC (Egypt)
• QF4: AS Maniema Union (DR Congo) vs USM Alger (Algeria)

The quarter-final first legs are scheduled for 15 March, with return fixtures set for 22 March.

Semi-Final Pathway Confirmed

The draw also determined the semi-final bracket:

• SF1: Winner of AS Maniema Union vs USM Alger will host the first leg against the winner of Olympique de Safi vs Wydad Casablanca.
• SF2: Winner of Al Masry vs CR Belouizdad will host the first leg against the winner of AS Otoho vs Zamalek SC.

The semi-finals will be played on 12 April (first leg) and 19 April (second leg).

The team advancing from the semi-finals will host the first leg of the final on 9 May, with the decisive second leg scheduled for 16 May.

With regional rivalries, heavyweight pedigrees, and emerging contenders all in the mix, the knockout stage of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup promises high drama as clubs across North and Central Africa vie for continental glory.

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