CAF Champions League Quarterfinal Race Heats Up Across Africa

The tension is mounting as the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League group stage barrels into matchday 5, with teams across the continent eyeing those coveted quarter-final spots. This penultimate round promises drama, high stakes, and more than a few surprises as clubs like MC Alger, Al Hilal, and Mamelodi Sundowns fight to keep their dreams alive. With several teams on the brink of qualification and others desperate for a lifeline, fans can expect a weekend of football that’s as unpredictable as it is electrifying.

Friday night’s headline clash sees MC Alger of Algeria host Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal in what’s being billed as the marquee fixture of the round. The stakes? Nothing less than Group C supremacy and a possible ticket to the knockout stage. MC Alger, currently sitting third with four points from one win, one draw, and two losses, are in dire need of a result. Their campaign has been rocky, but with home advantage and the pressure mounting, can they turn things around?

Al Hilal, on the other hand, have been the class of Group C so far. With two wins and two draws, they top the group with eight points. Their recent performances have been nothing short of impressive, especially in a thrilling double-header against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. First, they secured a gutsy 2-2 draw in Pretoria despite being reduced to ten men, then followed it up with a 2-1 victory in Kigali—results that have given them breathing room atop the standings. According to recent reports, "Al Hilal tops Group C with 8 points after winning two matches and drawing two."

The MC Alger vs Al Hilal showdown is set for Friday, February 6, 2026, with kickoff at 19:00. Fans across Africa and beyond can catch the action live on beIN Connect MENA HD, beIN Sports MENA, and SuperSport Variety 4 HD. It’s an Arab derby with more than just bragging rights on the line. For MC Alger, a win is essential if they hope to leapfrog their rivals and keep quarter-final hopes alive. For Al Hilal, even a draw could be enough to book their place in the next round, depending on how the other fixtures play out.

Looking deeper into Group C, the table is tight. Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African giants and 2016 CAF Champions League winners, sit just behind Al Hilal with five points. They’re followed by Saint-Éloi Lupopo and MC Alger, both on four points. With only two teams progressing from the group, every point counts, and the margin for error is razor-thin. As the facts confirm, "Mamelodi Sundowns have 5 points, Saint-Éloi Lupopo and MC Alger have 4 points each."

Saturday’s fixtures keep the drama rolling. In Group A, Power Dynamos face Renaissance de Berkane at 14:00, while Group D’s Petro Luanda take on Simba SC at 17:00. Both matches will be broadcast on beIN Sports and Super Sports, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action. These games could also prove decisive, with several clubs across the groups poised to clinch quarter-final berths if results go their way.

But the spotlight quickly swings back to Group C on Sunday, February 8, as Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Lubumbashi to take on DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the intimidating Stade TP Mazembe. Scheduled for 15:00 CAT (13:00 GMT), this clash is a must-watch for anyone following the group’s nail-biting race. The match will be broadcast on SuperSport's DSTV channel 205, giving fans a front-row seat to what could be a pivotal moment in the group’s narrative.

Mamelodi Sundowns are desperate to bounce back after their disappointing double-header against Al Hilal. The South African side, known for their attacking flair and continental pedigree, found themselves stymied by the Sudanese champions. The 2-2 draw in Pretoria, where Al Hilal played much of the match with ten men, was followed by a 2-1 defeat in Kigali—a rare stumble for a team that has only once failed to reach the knockout rounds since their 2016 triumph. As reported, "Mamelodi Sundowns' defeat to Al-Hilal was only their second regulation time loss in all competitions this season."

Coach Miguel Cardoso faces a selection headache ahead of Sunday’s crucial encounter. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, recently sidelined with a groin issue, is a doubt but could make a return. Cardoso has described the injury as "not a long-term injury" and hinted that Williams might be available for the weekend. Meanwhile, Themba Zwane, who captained the team in their recent Nedbank Cup outing against Gomora United, is unlikely to start due to ongoing injury concerns. The team’s depth will be tested, but with the stakes so high, expect Sundowns to throw everything at Lupopo in pursuit of three vital points.

For Saint-Éloi Lupopo, this is a golden opportunity. Level on points with MC Alger and just one behind Sundowns, a win at home could catapult them into the top two and set up a dramatic final matchday. Their recent history in continental competition includes a famous home victory over South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, showing they’re no strangers to upsetting the odds in Lubumbashi. The expected lineups suggest Lupopo will stick with their tried-and-tested formula, anchored by defenders Joseph Douhadji and Junior Marc Mendy, with Wanet Kashala leading the line in attack.

As for Sundowns, the likely starting XI features Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, and Malibongwe Khoza in defense, with Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena anchoring the midfield. Tashreeq Matthews and Arthur Sales are expected to provide width, while Nuno Santos will look to pull the strings in the final third. With both teams boasting quality and motivation in equal measure, this is a fixture that could go right down to the wire.

Looking at the bigger picture, the CAF Champions League group stage has lived up to its billing, delivering high drama, shocking results, and moments of individual brilliance. The battle for quarter-final spots remains wide open, with every fixture in matchday 5 carrying immense significance. Whether it’s the pressure-packed showdown in Algiers, the high-stakes trip to Lubumbashi, or pivotal matches elsewhere on the continent, the weekend is shaping up to be a feast for football fans.

As the dust settles on matchday 5, several clubs could find themselves celebrating early qualification, while others may face a nail-biting wait for the final round. One thing’s for sure: with so much on the line, the CAF Champions League is delivering the kind of excitement that keeps fans coming back for more. The action is ongoing, and the race for the quarter-finals is heating up—don’t blink, or you might just miss the moment that changes everything.