The first leg of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals took place over the weekend, as Africa’s top clubs began their quest for the continent’s second-most prestigious club trophy.
The round delivered several entertaining encounters across the continent. Only one team managed to secure a home victory, while the remaining three fixtures ended in tightly contested draws, leaving the ties delicately poised ahead of the decisive second legs.
The action began on Saturday in Congo, where AS Otoho hosted defending champions Zamalek SC. The match ended in a 1–1 stalemate after an intense battle between the two sides. The hosts drew first blood in the 13th minute when Charles Atipo found the back of the net. However, Zamalek responded before halftime as Oday Dabbagh scored the equaliser to restore parity.
In another encounter, Egyptian side Al Masry SC faced Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad in a match that also ended 1–1. Salah Mohsen gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot in the 55th minute. Just when it looked like Al Masry would take a narrow advantage into the return leg, substitute Lotfi Boussouar struck deep into stoppage time in the 91st minute to earn CR Belouizdad a crucial away draw.
The only victory of the round came from DR Congo, where Maniema Union defeated USM Alger 2–1 in a lively contest. Bertrand Traoré opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 41st minute to give the hosts the lead. USM Alger responded strongly after the break, equalising in the 54th minute through a penalty converted by Ahmed Khaled. However, Maniema Union captain Exaucé Moanda restored the lead in the 64th minute to secure a valuable win for his side.
The final game of the round produced an all-Moroccan clash as Olympic Club Safi hosted Wydad AC. The visitors looked set for victory after Ramiro Vaca scored a brilliant goal in the 67th minute to put Wydad ahead. However, late drama unfolded when goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, allowing Safi to snatch a late equaliser.
With three of the four quarter-final ties still level, the stage is set for an exciting round of second-leg fixtures next weekend as teams battle for a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.