1. It is a must-win for Medeama SC against Al Ahly
It’s simple, beat Al Ahly and leapfrog the Red Devils. Group D is so tight that the teams are separated by just 2 points. Al Ahly tops it after MD4 with six points as their opponents Medeama SC is last on the log with 4 points. The Mauve and Yellow were thrashed 3-0 by the Red Devils in Cairo on MD1. Beating Al Ahly has always been a huge task on the continent and Medeama must triple its performance before it can beat the defending champions. If Medeama wins, they will at least be in the second position before they travel to Algeria to play Belouizdad in their last game. If the Mauve and Yellow lose, it will probably be the end of the road for the 2023-24 CAF Champions League campaign.
2. Yanga’s win might secure a quarter-final berth for the Tanzanians
Young Africans are one of the most in-form teams on the continent. The Dar es Salaam giants are third on the table with 5 points and must win to stand any chance of qualifying. Belouizdad crushed Yanga 3-0 in Algiers on MD1. A whole lot is at stake for Yanaga as revenge, three points and a place in the quarter-finals are at stake for Miguel Angel Gamondi’s charges. A win for Yanga might secure a quarte-finals berth for the Tanzanians as they will move to 8 points.
3. How will Asec perform without Karamoko Sankara?
30th December 2023 was the last time Asec Mimosas played a Competitive fixture. 20-year-old Karamoko Sankara has scored 4 goals in Asec Mimosa’s last 3 games in the CAF Champions League. The youngster has secured a mega move to Wolfsberger AC in Austria. He was a super sub as he did not start any of Asec Mimosas’ 4 games in the CAF Champions League but scored 4 goals. How will Asec perform without Karamoko Sankara? Who is ready to score his second-half goals for the Abidjan-based club? In a home fixture against Simba, Asec Mimosas will need a new hero although they have already booked their ticket in the quarter-finals. Karamoko Sankara is leading the goal-king race in the CAF Champions League with 4
4. Wydad Casablanca’s fans beg Asec Mimosas to beat Simba for them
“We helped your country to qualify, made the final and even won the AFCON trophy, now it’s time to do the same for our club.” these are the words from Wydad Athletic fans.
Wydad fans are asking ASEC Mimosas to do them a favour by beating Simba SC on Friday in the Champions League.
A win for ASEC means, Wydad have a greater chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals if they can win their next two games.
Asec Mimosas have already qualified with 10 points. Simba is second with 5, Jwaneng Galaxy has 4 and Wydad surprisingly has 3 points from 4 games. If Simba wins in Abidjan, it will be all over for Wydad Casablanca.
Wydad will travel to Botswana to seek revenge for the surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Jwaneng Galaxy. Wydad has never been the same since that embarrassing defeat and they have every chance to restart their season by beating the minnows in Botswanan.
5. The Tunisian classic returns once again
Etoile du Sahel and Esperance will resume their perennial rivalry in Rades with Etoile du Sahel needing the 3 points to stay in the competition. Yan Sasse and Yacine Meriah’s second-half goals ensured a 2-0 win for Esperance on MD1 as Esperance’s experience did the magic. It’s a must-win game for both sides because Petro Luanda stands a huge chance to qualify for the knockout phase as they already have 8 points so they will likely be left with one slot. With a point separating the Tunisians, a fierce contest is expected in the Tunisian classico.
6. TP Mazembe on the brink of qualification
The 5 times winners need revenge for the 1-0 defeat in Cairo against Pyramids. Lamine Ndiaye’s Baba Boys are full of confidence ahead of the home game on Saturday afternoon. TP Mazembe tops Group A based on a better head-to-head record against second-place Sundowns. Pyramids must be wary of TP Mazembe’s attack as they have scored 25 goals in their last 4 games in the DR Congo Ligue 1.
A win will qualify the Baba Boys to the quarter-finals and it will end Pyramids campaign if Sundowns secure a point in Mauritania.
7. Nouadhibou faces another stern test in Mamelodi Sundowns
Nouadibhou will never forget its debut campaign as they are placed in a group alongside very top opponents. The minnows from Mauritania have already beaten Pyramids and drawn with TP Mazembe in their two home games. The last home game will be against Mamemelodi Sundowns whose players shone in the just-ended AFCON 2023. It is a great opportunity for Mauritanians to witness the Brazilians in action. Football in Mauritania has reached a new height after they beat Algeria and qualified for the knockout phase of the 2023 AFCON. Once ranked among the worst 5 teams in world football, the Mauritanian Club is hosting one of the most difficult and well-organised teams in the CAF Champions League in Nouadhibou. A win for the Orange Club will certainly send Mauritanian football to another level.
8. Florent Ibenge’s Al Hilal can end Petro Luanda’s unbeaten run
Petro Atletico has probably been the best side in the 4 matches played so far in the Group Stage of the CAF Champions League. The Angolans have visited Tunisia twice without losing any of the games. They have been so incredible in attack with Tiago Azulao, Jaredi and Gilberto disturbing the opposition’s defences. A trip to Sudan to face bottom-placed side Al Hilal is the biggest test for Alexandre Santos’ Os Tricolors. Florent Ibenge’s Leader of the Country can’t afford to miss a point in this must-win game as it will end their campaign. Al Hilal has the potential and capabilities to stop the Angolas.
