The semi-final stage of the 2025–26 CAF Champions League officially begins this weekend, with the four best teams in Africa taking to the field to compete for a place in the final of the continent’s biggest club competition.
The schedule shows that the first-leg matches will be played on April 11 and 12, followed by the return legs on April 18, 2026.
In the first-leg matches on April 11, AS FAR Rabat will host their domestic rivals RS Berkane in a highly competitive clash expected to be intense due to the long-standing rivalry between the two teams.
The following day, April 12, Espérance Sportive de Tunis will be at home to welcome Mamelodi Sundowns in another major encounter featuring some of Africa’s football giants.
The second-leg matches will be played on April 18, with Sundowns returning home to host Espérance, while Berkane will host AS FAR Rabat in the decisive fixtures to determine who advances to the final.
From a tactical perspective, the match between Espérance and Sundowns is considered one of the most challenging at this stage. Espérance bring vast experience in African competitions, while Sundowns are known for their consistency and ability to maintain long spells of possession, giving them control in games.
In the Moroccan derby, AS FAR Rabat have shown strong defensive organization in recent stages, while Berkane are known for their resilience and ability to fight until the final whistle, often deciding matches in the closing moments.
Football analysts believe the outcomes of these matches could be determined by small mistakes, given how evenly matched the teams are. Experience, discipline, and efficient use of scoring opportunities will be key factors deciding each team’s fate.
Overall, this year’s semi-finals highlight strong competition between teams from North and Southern Africa, reflecting the continued growth in the standard of football across the continent.
Fans are now eagerly waiting to see which teams will progress to the final of the CAF Champions League, with each side dreaming of lifting the prestigious continental trophy.
