Wydad, Esperance, and Sundowns through to quarter-finals
The group stage matchday four held on Tuesday saw the qualification of three teams to the quarter-finals, while last year's runners-up edge towards early elimination.
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and Moroccan side Wydad secured their berth in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals following their games in the group stage matchday 4. Meanwhile, the position of Egyptian side Zamalek gets more complicated as they went down 1-0 at home to the Tunisian club.
Espérance through
The Tunisian giants maintained the lead of the group with their away win as they reached 10 points, two ahead of MC Alger of Algeria, who claimed a victory over Senegalese side Teungueth. A strike from Hamdou Alhouni in the 73rd minute demonstrated Espérance's superiority days after their 3-1 win over the Egyptian White Knights.
Zamalek whose situation has become critical with a shocking early elimination seen on the horizon, are set to meet MC Alger away from home on 2 April in what is now a must-win clash, with hope that they can maintain their chances of qualification till the next round of hte group stage.
Wydad seal qualification despite Horoya draw
Moroccans Wydad have also sealed their spot in the quarter-finals despite playing out a goalless draw with Guinean club, Horoya, with the tie taking them onto 10 points, five clear of Horoya in second place.
Sundowns comfortably qualify with four wins
Mamelodi Sundowns were the first side to secure a spot in the last eight, earning 12 points out of their first four games. With a 1-0 victory over TP Mazembe the South African giants widened the gap with their closest rivals Al Hilal and CR Belouizdad, who drew against each other, to nine points, comfortably booking their ticket to the quarter-finals.