CAF Confederation Cup quarters draw reignites Algeria-Morocco rivalry

The political as well as sporting rivalry of Morocco and Algeria may have been reignited as both are pitched together in a potentially explosive quarter final duels.

Algeria prevented Morocco from attending last February African Nations Championships. It is to be seen whether the charged rivalry will come to the fore again as Algeria’s USM Alger will face Morocco’s AS FAR.

The Algerian side will host the first leg and it will be seen if another obstacle will be placed on the path of the Moroccans in travelling to Algeria.

That was the highlight of the draw conducted in Cairo on Wednesday.

Morocco’s FAR is the only team in the last eight which has previously won the competition, having been crowned champions in 2005 when they defeated the now defunct Dolphins of Nigeria.

This was also the first time that the Moroccans were making it into the group stages since the 2006 season.

They continue their campaign for one more continental piece of silverware with the first leg being a trip to Algiers.

Meanwhile, Pyramids FC, finalists of the 2019-20 season have been drawn against debutants Marumo Gallants of South Africa, and the Egyptians start the first leg at home in Cairo.

At the same time, 1998 Champions Asec Mimosas will continue with their ambition for another title, and have been paired against Tunisian side US Monastir, and will start with the first leg away from home.

The quarter final draw was conducted by Opoku Nti, a former midfielder for the Black Stars of Ghana, who won the  CAF Champions League in 1983 with Asante Kototo before moving to Switzerland to play the rest of his club career.

The last eight fixtures have been scheduled for the last week of April, with the first leg matches set for April 23 and the return fixtures a week later. The semis will be played on 14 and 21st May.

Meanwhile, the final is set to revert to the home and away format and will be played on June 4 and 11.

Full CAF Confederation Cup Draw

QF 1. Pyramids FC vs Marumo Gallants

QF 2. US Monastir vs Asec Mimosas

QF 3. USM Alger vs AS FAR

QF 4. Rivers United vs Yanga

Semi-finals

QF4 vs QF1

QF2 vs QF3