Week 2 of the CAF Champions League will commence on Friday with Rivers United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Young Africans all in action.
Fixtures
Friday 28th November
JS Kabylie v Young Africans
Rivers United v RS Berkane
FAR Rabat v All Ahly
MC Alger v Mamelodi Sundowns
Saturday 29th November
Petro Atletico v Esperance Tunis (4 pm)
Power Dynamos v Pyramids (4 PM)
Sunday 30th November
St Eloi Lupopo v Al-Hilal Omdurman
Stade Malien v Simba
- Rulani Mokwena meets his beloved Sundowns in Algiers
Rulani Mokwena is unquestionably the best young manager on the African continent after coaching big boys like Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Athletic Club and now MC Alger since 2019.
Having lost his first game as the head coach of MC Alger in Kigali against Al-Hilal Omdurman on matchday one, the 38-year-old would want his side to return to winning ways on matchday 2. The visit of Mamelodi Sundowns will bring back memories, having won the South African Premiership title on three occasions with the Brazilians and the African Super League.
Sundowns started their campaign with a 3-1 win over St Eloi Lupopo in Pretoria on matchday one. Cardozo’s side will be delighted to meet their former gaffer and will be eager to prove a point. It will be business as usual as MC Alger will be chasing their first victory in the group stages, but expect a mini reunion after the 90 minutes.
2. FAR Rabat will welcome Al Ahly in all North African Affairs
Moroccan side FAR Rabat must double their efforts to win all three points against 12th times winners Al Ahly in the North African derby. CAF Champions League is always filled with North African derbies, which always live up to expectations. FAR was beaten in Zanzibar by the Tanzanian side Young Africans. Al Ahly commenced their campaign with a 4-01 thrashing of JS Kabylie to send a signal to their rivals.
3. Rivers United make home debut in Money Zone
Rivers United are only nine years old and have managed to qualify for the Money Zone of the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history. Located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Nigerians will play their first game at this level at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday afternoon. After the total collapse in the game against the defending champions Pyramids in Cairo, Finidi George’s side will need to remain focused when they host RS Berkane, who looked so good when they thrashed Power Dynamos 3-0 in their opening game of the competition.
4. Stade Malien must take home advantage against Simba SC
Simba SC were beaten narrowly in Dar es Salaam by Petro Luanda. The Tanzanians cannot afford another defeat, as it would almost end their chances of progressing, even though it is too early. Simba’s performance against Petro was horrible, and he must double it in Bamako. Stade Malien wonderfully stole a point in Tunis when they visited Esperance. They now have the opportunity to win their first game to put pressure on the favourites.
Stade Malien are outsiders in Group D and must fancy their chances against Simba.
