CAF Champions League
Five AFCON 2023 Stars Ready To Illuminate CAF Champions League –
The dust has barely settled on the electrifying Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, but the football fervour continues unabated as the CAF Champions League resumes action this weekend.
With the continent still buzzing from the AFCON spectacle in Cote d’Ivoire, fans eagerly anticipate seeing their favourite stars transition from international glory to club success.
Among the plethora of talent showcased at AFCON 2023, several players plying their trade on the continent stood out with their exceptional performances – despite the tournament being dominated by Europe-based players – leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
As the CAF Champions League recommences, attention turns to these standout performers, poised to carry their momentum into club competition.
Here are the top five players from the AFCON 2023 set to light up the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League:
- Ronwen Williams (GK) – Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa
The hero of South Africa’s bronze medal triumph, Ronwen Williams, proved his mettle between the sticks with breathtaking saves throughout AFCON 2023. As captain of both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team, Williams’ commanding presence and shot-stopping prowess earned him the title of the tournament’s best goalkeeper. His heroics, notably in the quarter-finals penalty shootout against Cape Verde, cemented his status as one of Africa’s premier goalkeepers.
- Teboho Mokoena (MF) – Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa
Teboho Mokoena’s midfield mastery was instrumental in South Africa’s AFCON journey, earning him a coveted spot in the tournament’s Best XI. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder showcased his versatility, contributing both defensively and offensively with flair and finesse. His highlight moment, a sublime free-kick in South Africa’s stunning victory over Morocco, underscored his importance to both club and country.
- Henock Inonga (DF) – Simba SC & DR Congo
Forming a formidable defensive partnership for DR Congo, Henock Inonga’s commanding presence at the back was instrumental in the Leopards’ fourth-place finish at AFCON 2023. Representing Simba SC at the club level, Inonga’s solid performances showcased his ability to thwart opposition attacks and marshal his defensive line with authority. His leadership and defensive nous will be crucial assets as Simba SC resumes their African Champions League campaign.
- Gilberto Deivi Miguel (FW) – Petro Atletico & Angola
Gilberto Deivi Miguel’s attacking flair shone bright for Angola at AFCON 2023, despite their quarter-final exit. The Petro Atletico forward showcased his predatory instincts and offensive prowess, providing a constant threat to opposition defenses. At just 22 years old, Miguel’s potential is limitless, and his performances at both club and international level mark him as one to watch in the African Champions League.
- Djigui Diarra (GK) – Young Africans & Mali
As the custodian of Mali’s goal, Djigui Diarra’s shot-stopping heroics were pivotal in guiding the Malian Eagles to the quarter-finals of AFCON 2023. Representing Young Africans at the club level, Diarra’s agility and reflexes were on full display throughout the tournament, earning him plaudits for his commanding presence between the posts. His performances for both club and country make him a key figure to watch as the African Champions League action resumes.
With these standout performers ready to grace the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 stage, fans can expect an exhilarating blend of skill, passion, and drama as the quest for continental glory resumes.
As the CAF AFCON 2023 legacy lives on, the stage is set for these top talents to shine on club football’s grandest stage.
CAF Champions League Match Day 5 Fixtures:
Friday, 23 February
- 16h00 GMT | Al-Hilal – Petro de Luanda
- 16h00 GMT | Medeama – Al Ahly SC
- 19h00 GMT | Asec Mimosas – Simba SC
Saturday, 24 February
- 13h00 GMT | Jwaneng Galaxy – Wydad AC
- 13h00 GMT | TP Mazembe – Pyramids FC
- 16h00 GMT | Nouadhibou – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- 16h00 GMT | Young Africans – CR Belouizdad
- 19h00 GMT | ES Sahel – ES Tunis
-CAF
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will conduct the quarter-final draws for the 2025/26 editions of its two flagship interclub competitions — the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup — on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo.
The CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw is scheduled to begin at 13:00 Cairo time (11:00 GMT), followed by the CAF Champions League quarter-final draw at 14:00 Cairo time (12:00 GMT).
The ceremonies will be broadcast live on CAF’s official YouTube platform, CAF TV, allowing fans across the continent and beyond to follow proceedings in real time.
Road to the Finals Takes Shape
The draws will determine not only the quarter-final pairings but also the pathway to the finals in both competitions, effectively mapping out the remaining knockout journey for Africa’s elite clubs.
With the group stages concluded, the quarter-finals mark the beginning of direct elimination football — a phase traditionally defined by tactical discipline, squad depth and mental resilience. Clubs will be keenly watching the draw to gauge potential heavyweight clashes or favourable routes to the semi-finals.
In the Champions League, former title holders and emerging contenders alike will be hoping to avoid early confrontations against continental heavyweights. Similarly, in the Confederation Cup, where competitive balance has grown in recent seasons, the draw could produce intriguing North-South or West-East showdowns.
Strategic Importance for Clubs
Beyond sporting prestige, progression to the latter stages of CAF competitions carries significant financial incentives, enhanced continental ranking points and increased global visibility. With African club football enjoying expanded broadcast reach and commercial partnerships, success in these tournaments has become both a sporting and economic objective.
Hosting the draws at the Egyptian FA headquarters in Cairo reinforces the city’s status as a nerve centre of African football administration, as clubs await clarity on their next assignments in what promises to be a decisive knockout phase of the 2025/26 campaign.
All eyes will now turn to Cairo as Africa’s road to continental glory becomes clearer.
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Moroccan side RS Berkane delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over Rivers United FC to book their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Berkane imposed themselves early and broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Youssef Mehri fired into the bottom corner following a swift attacking move.
The hosts doubled their lead seven minutes later as Paul Valère Bassène finished clinically after being played through by Mounir Chouiar, leaving Rivers United with a mountain to climb before halftime.
The contest was effectively settled eight minutes into the second half. Bassène grabbed his second of the night in the 53rd minute, converting from close range after a corner to put the result beyond doubt.
Berkane maintained control for the remainder of the match, limiting Rivers United to speculative efforts and half-chances before comfortably seeing out the encounter.
With the results, Pyramids FC finish top of Group A, while RS Berkane join them in the knockout phase as runners-up, bringing the group stage to a decisive conclusion.
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Reigning CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC signed off their group-stage campaign in style with a 3–1 victory over Power Dynamos FC on Matchday 6 to secure top spot in Group A.
The Egyptian side made a bright start and went ahead in the 16th minute when Mostafa Ziko rose highest to head home from a corner, underlining their early dominance.
Power Dynamos responded almost immediately. Frederick Mulambia restored parity a minute later, finishing from close range after a well-worked cross to briefly unsettle the hosts.
However, Pyramids regained control midway through the first half. In the 33rd minute, Youssef Obama reacted quickest inside the penalty area to restore the lead, sending the defending champions into the break 2–1 ahead.
The decisive moment came in the 59th minute when Ewerton unleashed a superb right-footed strike from outside the box that nestled into the bottom corner, extending the advantage to 3–1.
Despite late substitutions and sporadic pressure from the visitors, Pyramids managed proceedings comfortably to claim all three points and finish the group stage at the summit.
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