1. Al Ahly proves that they know how to do business at this level
The defending champions were once again at their utmost best in Dar es Salaam with a superb win over Simba SC on Friday night. Heading into the game, Simba was extremely optimistic of getting at least a draw but Ahmed Kouka’s early goal proved to be the difference. Al Ahly knows how to win at this stage so it was not surprising at all to see them protect their lead with immense care. Simba squandered so many clear-cut chances but Al Ahly’s composure and calmness were great. This Stage is Al Ahly’s stage because they are unbreakable when it is knockout.
2. John Antwi’s experience is driving Dreams FC to the promised land
John Antwi Duku, 31, the leader of the Dreams delegation has been so sensational. Football Fans in Egypt know him well as he is the first foreigner to score 100 goals in Egyptian club football history. He has had stints with Al Ahly and Pyramids and has enjoyed great moments in African football. He was tasked to lead the younger ones in Dreams journey through African Football and he has done it in a grand style. On Sunday afternoon, John Antwi scored twice in the 2-1 win in Bamako to give Dreams an advantage in the tie. His experience on and off the pitch is the key to Karim Zito’s Dreams FCs’ success.
3. Rulani Mokwena is indeed the African version of Pep Guardiola
Rulani Mokwena’s Brazilians play like the early 2020s Barcelona. They are a delight to watch as they play an entertaining football. On Saturday night in Dar es Salaam, Mamelodi Sundowns was in great form against Yanga even though the game ended goalless. They played their normal keeping the ball style and made things difficult for Yanga. It is only Sundowns that plays the Manchester City way with much perfection here in Africa. Their opponents are always left to chase shadows with Yanga struggling to get much of the ball. Young Africans got the most shots on target and hence can cause havoc in Pretoria but Sundowns’ footballs are sumptuous.
4. Zamalek’s dominance over Modern Future FC continued on Sunday night
Modern Future FC has been beaten 6 consecutive times by Zamalek. Life at the top flight has been nice to Future FC but they have been appalling against the Cairo giants, Zamalek. After taking the lead through Ali Yasser in the 35th minute, Hamza Mathlouthi cancelled Future FC’s lead on the stroke of halftime. Future thought they were at least going to break that jinx of losing 5 straight games against Zamalek. A penalty was awarded to the away side with Zizo converting it in the 88th minute to secure a first-leg win for Zamalek.
5. Asec Mimosas secures a crucial draw in Tunisia
Asec Mimosas per recent results and form was the least-ranked team heading into the quarter-finals. Many pundits predicted the Ivorian side to struggle in Rades but they got an important draw. Esperance dominated Asec Mimosas but the Abidjan-based club remained resolute and drew goalless in Tunisia.
6. 38-year-old Hugo Marques continues to make record
Petro Luanda’s 38-year-old goalkeeper, Hugo Marques has played 630 minutes of football and is yet to concede a single goal for Petro Atletico. In Lubumbashi on Saturday afternoon, Marques made crucial saves to deny TP Mazembe from beating Petro. The Angolan goalkeeper’s heroics will take Petro far as he has proven to be unbeatable in the CAF Champions League. TP Mazembe will need pure luck to be able to beat the guy who has been luck’s best friend in the CCL.
7. Rivers United is so special at home
The Nigerians play like a Grade A team whenever they play at home. Since losing 2-0 at home to Yanga on 23rd April 2023 in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the 2022-23 Confederation Cup, Rivers has not tasted any defeat at home. 22 games have been played since losing at home to Yanga, Rivers United has won 17 and drawn 5. USM Alger is a top side as they are the defending champions of the 2022-23 Confederation Cup and the CAF Super Cup. Rivers will face their fears on Sunday in Algeria. The Nigerians are bad travellers though.
8. Hooligans in Tanzania nearly marred the excitement on Saturday
Tanzania has been praised by football lovers on the continent for how they have risen to the top level of African Football. A series of troubles outside the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium before the Yanga-Sundowns game was nasty. Many have complained about what transpired and authorities must make sure it does not happen again because Tanzania is now among the
football headquarters’ in CAF competitions.
