Esperance To Take On Zamalek In African Champions League Quarterfinals

Defending champions Esperance of Tunisia will play five-time winners Zamalek, in the quarter-finals of the African Champions League.

The winners of their tie will play either Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca or the other Tunisia representatives Etoile du Sahel in the semis.

The draw was made in Cairo on Wednesday and also saw South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns tied with record eight-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt, and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe pitted against Raja Casablanca of Morocco.

The winners of the Sundowns vs Al Ahly will play Mazembe or Raja in the semi-finals, whilst either Zamalek or Esperance will take on the victors in the tie between Wydad and Etoile.

The first leg matches will be played in early on 28-29 February, with the return clashes a week later.

The semi-finals, which will also be played over two legs, will be played in May after the African Nations Championship (CHAN)

It is the first time in the tournament’s history that all sides who have qualified for the last eight have won the Champions League.

And for the first time, the final will not be played over two legs but will be a single match on May 29. The Confederation of African Football has yet to announce the venue.

CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw

Al Ahly v Mamelodi Sundowns

Wydad Casablanca v Etoile du Sahel

Raja Casablanca v TP Mazembe

Zamalek v Esperance de Tunis