CAF Draws Champions League Quarterfinals in Cairo

The Confederation of African Football conducted the quarterfinal and semifinal draws for the Champions League in Cairo on Tuesday, pairing South African club Mamelodi Sundowns with surprise performers Stade Malien of Mali in one of four intriguing matchups set for March.

Sundowns, who secured their knockout berth with a late 2-1 victory over Algeria's Mouloudia Alger in their final group game, avoided a challenging clash with Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly or Pyramids FC. Instead, they face Malien, a team making their debut at this stage after 19 previous failed attempts to reach the group phase. Malien topped their group ahead of Tunisia's Esperance, holding them to a draw in Tunis and winning at home in Bamako, a feat that underscores their unexpected rise in the competition.

The other quarterfinal ties include a rematch of last season's late-stage encounter between defending champions Pyramids and Morocco's FAR Rabat, as well as a resumption of a long-standing rivalry between Esperance and 12-time winners Al Ahly. Morocco's Renaissance Berkane, appearing in the Champions League for the first time after three Confederation Cup triumphs, will take on Sudan's Al Hilal, who are...