Record champions Al Ahly took a crucial step toward the CAF Champions League semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al Hilal in their quarter-final first leg at the Cairo International Stadium. Mohamed Hany’s 11th-minute strike— a composed left-footed finish into the top corner— proved decisive as the Egyptian giants dominated but couldn’t extend their lead.
Despite Al Hilal threatening through Jean Girumugisha and Steven Ebuela, they failed to break down a resolute Ahly defense. The Sudanese side now faces an uphill battle in the return leg in Omdurman.
Mohamed Hany's stunner secures a 1st leg home win for Al Ahly FC! 🔥#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/UFp4OHJI33
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 1, 2025Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates claimed a priceless 1-0 away win over MC Alger, with Mohau Nkota coming off the bench to net the winner in the 65th minute. The South African side absorbed heavy pressure, with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine producing key saves to frustrate the Algerian hosts. Pirates now take a slender advantage back to Soweto.
The only team to win away in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL quarter-finals 1st leg! 👏
Orlando Pirates are here for the title. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7Ol6s42TpS
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 1, 2025Elsewhere, Pyramids FC all but sealed their place in the last four with a dominant 4-1 thrashing of FAR Rabat. Fiston Mayele and Ibrahim Adel stole the show, combining for three first-half goals before Adel completed his brace in the second half. The Egyptian side carries a commanding lead into the second leg in Morocco, leaving FAR Rabat with a mountain to climb.
Fiston Mayele & Ibrahim Adel run the show by scoring two goals each. 🚀#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/JsPt4RjzSO
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 1, 2025With the quarter-finals finely poised, the second-leg clashes promise drama, tension, and high stakes as the road to the CAF Champions League semi-finals heats up!
