• Al Ahly in danger
• Wydad and Petro battle for the top spot
• A must-win for Horoya in Algeria
The penultimate weekend of the CAF Champions League kicks off today. Mamelodi Sundowns, Petro Atletico and Wydad Casablanca are all through to the quarter-finals with two rounds to spare.
Jwaneng Galaxy, Zamalek and Sagrada all can not make it to the quarter-finals: they are out. The other 10 teams can qualify depending on their results and others.
Group A
Al-Merreikh will dream of qualifying for the knockout stage by beating the defending champions. Al-Merreikh narrowly lost 3-2 in Cairo against the Red Devils and can cause an upset against Pitso’s giants. Any trip to Sudan is tricky and this one will not be an exception. They played 2-2 draw in Sudan when they met in the group stage last season.
Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to Al-Hilal Stadium in Omdurman to face Al Hilal. Any results aside victory for the home team will slim their chances of progressing. Brilliant Mngqithi will want to keep Downs’ momentum hence will treat the fixture with all seriousness. The sides played a 0-0 draw in Sudan in the 2020/2021 season and in 2008, Al Hilal won 4-2 at home in the qualifying stage of the CAF Champions League.
Group B
Amazulu has not lost at home in their last 14 fixtures. They won their 6 points at home, 1-0 victories over ES Setif and AC Horoya. They are a very good side at home and will relish the opportunity to play this fixture at home. Benni McCarthy’s job is under threat and a win can bring back the trust and confidence they once had in him.
Raja Casablanca needs a point to progress. Raja’s only defeated so far in the competition was in Guinea last week when Horoya came from behind to beat them 2-1. It is a tough fixture and Amazulu must take the home advantage to have a chance of qualifying.
It is do or die for Horoya in Algeria this weekend. A defeat for Horoya will end their campaign while a victory for ES Setif will boost their chance. Winning in North Africa lately is a difficult job for West African teams hence Horoya must-play above themselves to record better results. ES Setif won 1-0 in Guinea on matchday 1. Is double over Horoya on the way for Setif?
Group C
Jwaneng Galaxy will chase at least a victory in the group stage. 4 matches played, 3 defeats and 1 draw for Galaxy so far. Can they cause an upset against Esperance? The Tunisian club thrashed Jwaneng Galaxy 4-0 on matchday 1 and it was very easy for Jaidi Radhi’s side. A point for Esperance will ensure a place in the quarter-finals.
Belouizdad is in a scintillating form. They have won their last 4 games in all competitions and will be eager to make it 5 successive wins. A goalless draw in Tunisia in the reverse fixture of the group stages. Etoile will be in danger if they do not win in Tunisia. Belouizdad and Esperance are both on 8 points and will fight for the first position.
Group D
Wydad and Petro Atletico have qualified for the quarter-finals. The two teams will battle for the first position on the table. Sagrada has been woeful throughout the group stages. They host Wydad in Angola. Sagrada will want to win for the fans.
Zamalek’s campaign is indescribable, with no win in 4 group games and are 3rd on the table with no chance of qualifying. They are playing for pride this weekend against tough opponents in Petro. A trip to Angola for a beleaguered Zamalek is difficult. Can they shock Petro?
Source: Amakye Ansah
