Rivers United of Nigeria has been drawn against title-holders USM Alger of Algeria in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, as revealed during the draw made in Cairo on Tuesday.
The Port Harcourt-based team aims to make history by becoming the first Nigerian winners of an African competition since Enyimba claimed victory in the 2005 CAF Super Cup by defeating Hearts of Oak 2-0 after extra time.
Rivers United achieved success in the group stage by winning all four home matches but had a less impressive performance on the road, securing only one victory along with a draw and two losses.
In another quarter-final matchup, Dreams FC of Ghana, who finished at the top of the group where Rivers United emerged as runners-up, will face Stade Malien of Mali in a west African encounter.
Related News: Guinea’s Junta Seizes Government Members’ Passports, Freezes Bank Accounts
Meanwhile, Modern Future will take on Zamalek in an Egyptian derby, and Abu Salim of Libya will clash with Renaissance Berkane of Morocco in a north African showdown.
Berkane, the winners of the Confederation Cup in 2020 and 2022, boast the only unbeaten record among the title hopefuls with five victories and three draws from the qualifying and group stages.
Below are the quarter-final matchups:
- Modern Future (EGY) vs Zamalek (EGY)
- Abu Salim (LBA) vs Renaissance Berkane (MAR)
- Rivers Utd (NGR) vs USM Alger (ALG, holders)
- Stade Malien (MLI) vs Dreams (GHA)
The first legs of the quarter-finals are scheduled for March 31, while the second legs will take place on April 7.
Regarding the semi-finals:
- The winners of Rivers United vs USM Alger will face the winners of Abu Salim vs Renaissance Berkane.
- The winners of Modern Future vs Zamalek will take on the winners of Stade Malien vs Dreams.
The first legs of the semi-finals will be played on April 21, with the second legs set for April 28.
