•First leg: 30th March
•Second leg: 6th April
1. Modern Future FC v Zamalek
The CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw kicked off with a huge tie between the Egyptian clubs Modern Future FC and Zamalek SC.
Future FC has won just two in their last 10 games. Their form has been poor even though they finished 2nd in Group A. The 5-0 thrashing of Al Hilal Benghazi is a sign of what Future FC can do.
Zamalek is playing against a team they have beaten in their last 5 games. The Cairo giants have a huge advantage in this fixture because of their experience on the continent and their superior head-to-head record over the minnows, Future FC. Zamalek won 13 points from a possible 15. They are among the overwhelming favourites of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Prediction: Zamalek to qualify
2. Abu Salim v RS Berkane
Minnows Abu Salim will face Morocco’s sole representative in Africa as all the other clubs are out. The Libyan’s chances of progressing are slim as they face a team that knows the Confederation Cup terrain extremely well. Abu Salim are winless in their last 5 games. They need good results in the next two weeks to boost their confidence in meeting RS Berkane.
The Moroccans topped Group D by winning all three home games. RS Berkane scored 7 goals without conceding a single one at home. This is the task Abu Salim will face in Morocco so they have to secure good results in Libya before travelling to Morocco.
Predictions: RS Berkane to qualify
3. Rivers United v USMA
Rivers United of Nigeria has a huge task at hand as they are facing the defending champions, USM Alger. The Nigerian side finished second to Dreams FC in Group C with some great displays. Their biggest problem is in their away games as they almost down their tools whenever they are playing outside of Nigeria. Hosting USM Alger in the first leg brings an opportunity for the Nigerians to take a lead into the second leg.
USM Alger looks the favourite in this one especially when they have the opportunity to host the second leg in Algeria. USM has lost 4 of their last 7 games but remains a huge threat.
Predictions: USM to qualify
4. Stade Malien v Dreams FC
There will surely be a West African representative in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup as Stade Malien locks horns against Ghanaian side Dreams FC. Probably the best team in the group stage, Dreams FC played an incredible football much to the surprise of everyone as the Ghanaian minnows were outsiders entering the competition. Good old John Antwi, formerly of Al Ahly Cairo and Pyramids of Egypt, has led the team with his priceless experience with youngster Abdul Aziz Issah stepping up to showcase his immense talent. Atuahene Godfre and Agyenim Boateng Mensah are all players Stade Malien must be wary of.
Stade Malien in Group D finished second to Berkane from Morocco. The Malians won 2 games and lost one at home while winning one, drawing one and losing one in their away games. Stade Malien has enough experience at this level than Dreams but Dreams has been a better side than the Mailans.
Predictions: Dreams FC to qualify.
