For Rivers United , the final group stage matches in the CAF Champions League are not just a formality; they come with pride and a sense of purpose as they prepare for a decisive weekend on the continent.
Matchday 6 provides a thrilling end to the 2025/26 group phase, with only three of the eight quarter-final spots already confirmed, leaving five positions still unfulfilled. Although Rivers United has been mathematically eliminated, their last game holds significant weight, impacting not only Group A but also the broader competition landscape.
Rivers United’s Final Challenge in Group A
Pyramids FC has already been declared the winners of Group A, comfortably positioned with 13 points prior to their upcoming home game against Power Dynamos.
The real battle lies in the pursuit of second place. RS Berkane and Power Dynamos are tied at seven points, with Berkane holding the advantage on head- to-head results.
This scenario places Rivers United under the spotlight as they travel to Morocco to take on Berkane. A victory for Rivers United would open the group, granting Power Dynamos a fighting chance in their match against Pyramids. Thus, even though they face elimination, Rivers United can still play a pivotal role in determining who advances.
Confirmed Quarter-finalists
Three clubs have already secured their positions in the last eight: the current champions Pyramids FC, record winners Al Ahly, and Mali’s Stade Malien, who have made history.
The remaining five spots will be hotly contested in this final round of matches.
Group B: A Clash of Giants and New Hope
Al Ahly has also assured its advancement with nine points, but the battle for second place remains fierce, with AS FAR sitting on eight points and Young Africans trailing with five.
In Cairo, Al Ahly is set to face AS FAR, a match that could influence the group's top position. Concurrently, Young Africans must secure a win against eliminated JS Kabylie while hoping for favorable results elsewhere.
Group C: A Tense Finale for Four Teams
Group C remains tightly contested. Al-Hilal Omdurman leads with eight points, with MC Alger following on seven, Mamelodi Sundowns at six, and St Éloi Lupopo holding five.
All four teams have pathways to the quarter-finals, with Al-Hilal playing host to Lupopo and Sundowns clashing with MC Alger in a decisive battle in South Africa.
Group D: The Final Showdown
Having secured the top spot with 11 points, Stade Malien leaves one qualification place to be determined between Esperance Tunis and Atlético Petroleos, both currently on six points, as they meet in a high-stakes encounter in Tunis.
Matchday 6 Fixtures
Saturday, 14 February
\- Al-Hilal Omdurman (SUD) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
\- Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs MC Alger (ALG)
\- Esperance Tunis (TUN) vs Atlético Petroleos (ANG)
\- Simba (TAN) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
\- Berkane (MAR) vs Rivers United (NGA)
\- Pyramids (EGY) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)
Sunday, 15 February
\- Al Ahly (EGY) vs AS FAR (MAR)
\- Young Africans (TAN) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)
As Rivers United concludes their journey, their final match still holds significant implications. While other teams grapple for survival, the Pride of Rivers enters Morocco ready to leave an indelible mark on Group A, demonstrating that even in defeat, Nigerian champions continue to assert their relevance on Africa’s premier club stage.
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