CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final Draw Assistants Confirmed
The much-anticipated quarter-final draws for the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup are set to take place on Thursday, 20 February 2025 in Doha, Qatar. As excitement builds for the next phase of Africa’s premier club football competitions, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has confirmed the appointment of four legendary football figures to assist in conducting the draw.
These four football legends have been selected based on their exceptional contributions to African football, both at the club and international levels. With impressive careers and unparalleled achievements, these figures will add an extra layer of prestige to the draw, which will determine the matchups for the quarter-finals and set the stage for the rest of the tournament.
The ceremony will be held at beIN SPORTS’ world-class studios in Doha, ensuring that millions of football fans around the globe can watch the proceedings live. Read also CAF Postpones CHAN 2024: What It Means for Kenyan Football and the Harambee Stars
Overview of the Draw Ceremony
The quarter-final draw for both competitions will take place at the following times:
- TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Draw: 16:00 Cairo time (14:00 GMT / 17:00 East Africa Time / MECCA)
- TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Draw: 17:00 Cairo time (15:00 GMT / 18:00 East Africa Time / MECCA)
Fans can follow the event live on beIN SPORTS NEWS (Arabic), beIN SPORTS ENGLISH, and CAF TV, making it accessible to viewers around the world. This draw will determine the crucial quarter-final matchups, leading to the next stage of the competition.
Additionally, this event will also reveal the semi-final matchups, which only adds to the anticipation of the coming weeks.
The Role of Draw Assistants in the Quarter-Final Ceremony
Draw assistants play an essential role in ensuring the smooth and transparent process of the draw. Their presence brings an air of authenticity and credibility to the proceedings, especially when they come from a background of excellence in African football. The selected football figures possess decades of experience, both on the pitch and in leadership roles, which will provide an added sense of excitement and prestige to the ceremony.
The Draw Assistants’ Responsibilities
The role of the draw assistants is to help conduct the draw, which involves selecting teams to face off in the quarter-finals. As football legends with vast knowledge of the sport, they will oversee the process to ensure fairness and transparency, adding to the drama and anticipation. The assistants will be responsible for assisting in the random selection of teams, which will ultimately shape the upcoming matches.
Their experience in African football will be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the process. Their presence during the draw represents the rich history of the sport and offers a nostalgic look back at their unforgettable careers.
Profiles of the Draw Assistants
Wael Gomaa (Egypt) – A Legendary Defender
Career Highlights
- Al Ahly SC: Wael Gomaa is widely regarded as one of the greatest African defenders of all time. He played for Al Ahly SC, one of Africa’s most successful football clubs. Over his remarkable career, he helped the team win six CAF Champions League titles, making him a vital figure in the club’s dominance on the continent.
- Egypt National Team: As a central defender for Egypt, Gomaa was a cornerstone of the national team’s successes in the early 2000s. His leadership on the pitch contributed to three CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Gomaa’s immense experience, both at the club and international level, positions him as an ideal draw assistant.
Why His Presence is Significant
Gomaa’s legacy as a leader and a top defender in African football gives him a unique standing as an ambassador for the sport. His involvement in the draw enhances the credibility of the event, particularly for fans of Egypt’s Al Ahly and African football in general.
Rabah Madjer (Algeria) – A Forward with a Historic Career
Career Highlights
- Algerian National Team: Rabah Madjer is perhaps best known for his historic goal in the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, where his strike helped Algeria claim their first-ever continental title. He remains a hero in Algeria, widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever players.
- FC Porto: Madjer’s playing career also took him to FC Porto, where he made history with his famous backheel goal in the 1987 UEFA Champions League final. This moment remains etched in footballing history as one of the most iconic goals ever scored.
- Legacy in African Football: Madjer’s career extends far beyond his own playing days. As a key figure in Algeria’s footballing legacy, his presence during the draw adds historical significance to the ceremony.
Why His Presence is Significant
Madjer’s status as a football icon elevates the importance of the draw. His contributions to both Algerian and African football, particularly his triumphs at the continental level, make him a fitting ambassador for the draw ceremony.
Rainford Kalaba (Zambia) – A Midfield Maestro
Career Highlights
- Zambian National Team: Rainford Kalaba played a crucial role in Zambia’s historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations victory, where his skill and leadership helped guide the team to the title.
- TP Mazembe: Kalaba enjoyed tremendous success at TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, winning the CAF Champions League on multiple occasions. His performances with the club made him one of the continent’s most accomplished midfielders.
- Legacy in African Football: Kalaba’s combination of technical ability, vision, and leadership on the field makes him a respected figure in African football circles.
Why His Presence is Significant
Kalaba’s experience in African club football and international tournaments brings a wealth of knowledge to the draw. His association with TP Mazembe—one of Africa’s most successful clubs—gives him a deep understanding of the competition and the stakes involved.
Ben Malango (DR Congo) – A Goal-Scoring Specialist
Career Highlights
- DR Congo National Team: Ben Malango has represented DR Congo at the international level, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess during his career. His contributions to the national team are significant, as he helped the squad compete at the highest level of African football.
- CAF Confederation Cup Success: Malango won the CAF Confederation Cup twice, once with TP Mazembe and later with Raja Casablanca. His scoring record in these competitions has solidified his reputation as one of the best forwards in Africa.
- Legacy in African Football: Malango’s clinical finishing and ability to perform in crucial moments make him a highly regarded figure in African football. His presence at the draw ceremony reflects his deep connection to the African club competition landscape.
Why His Presence is Significant
Malango’s experience in both continental club competitions and international tournaments provides invaluable insight into the competition’s dynamics. His expertise in the CAF Confederation Cup is particularly relevant as the event features teams from this prestigious competition.
The Importance of the CAF Competitions Draw
The quarter-final draws are pivotal in determining which teams will face off in the crucial knockout stages of the two CAF tournaments. These draws not only shape the path to the final but also carry significant importance for the teams involved.
Both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup are central to African club football, offering teams the chance to prove their dominance and earn continental glory. For fans, the excitement surrounding the draw lies in the unpredictability of the matchups and the thrilling prospect of seeing top African clubs clash on the road to the final.
The Quarter-Final Fixtures
The fixtures for both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will follow a two-legged format, with the home-and-away fixtures scheduled as follows:
- TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Matches: 1 April and 8 April 2025
- TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final Matches: 2 April and 9 April 2025
These fixtures will be intense, with some of Africa’s top clubs vying for the ultimate glory in African club football. The excitement surrounding the quarter-final matchups promises to make this phase of the tournament particularly thrilling for fans across the continent.
Stay tuned to CAF’s official digital platforms for exclusive content and updates leading up to the draw. Fans can follow the conversation using the hashtags #TotalEnergiesCAFCL and #TotalEnergiesCAFCC, and don’t miss the live broadcast of the draw event on beIN SPORTS and CAF TV.
