Defending champions, Al Ahly showed their pedigree away from home when facing a spirited Simba AC side at the Benjamin Mkwapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
Despite being pinned in their own half for most of the encounter, the defending champions managed a crucial 1-0 win over the Tanzanians thanks to an early Ahmed Koka goal.
The save venue played host to former champions and reigning African Football League kings Mamelodi Sundowns the following day, as they were welcomed by last seasons’ TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup finalists, Young Africans.
A highly tactical battle between coach Rulani Mokwena and former Sundowns assistant coach concluded with a goalless stalemate ahead of the return leg in Pretoria this weekend.
In Lubumbashi, TP Mazembe were frustrated by a resilient Petro de Luanda side who denied them a result in front of their fans.
Despite good defending from the Angolans, Mazembe will be hoping to be more clinical this weekend when facing the Angolan champions in Luanda.
Another goalless draw concluded the first leg Quarterfinal fixtures in Tunis as four-time champions, Esperance Sportive de Tunis were also held to a goalless stalemate by a stubborn Asec Mimosas side who are determined to end their continental drought this season.
QF First Leg Results
Friday, March 29
Simba AC 0–1 Al Ahly SC
Saturday, March 30
TP Mazembe 0–0 Atletico Petroleos
Young Africans 0–0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Esperance de Tunis 0-0 Asec Mimosas
QF Second Leg Fixtures
Friday, April 5
18h00 GMT | Mamelodi Sundowns v Young Africans
20h00 GMT | Al Ahly SC v Simba SC
Saturday, April 6
16h00 GMT | Atletico Petroleos v TP Mazembe
20h00 GMT | Asec Mimosas v Esperance