Quarterfinal Berths At Stake In CAF Champions League Showdown This Weekend
As the CAF Champions League enters its decisive Matchday 5 this weekend, excitement is in the air as teams vie for coveted quarterfinal spots. The action kicks off from Friday, January 10, through Sunday, January 12, with thrilling fixtures promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Sudan’s Al Hilal has already secured its place in the knockout stages, sitting comfortably at the top of Group A with 10 points. However, the competition remains fierce as Tanzania’s Young Africans, currently third in the group with 4 points, gear up for a challenging encounter against Al Hilal.
The match will take place in neutral Nouakchott on Sunday night, and Yanga will look to build on their impressive 3-1 victory over TP Mazembe last weekend. Coach Sead Ramovic is optimistic, believing that the momentum from that win could propel his side forward.
The weekend’s action begins with a crucial clash on Friday night in Algiers, where MC Alger, sitting second in Group A with 5 points, will face off against bottom-placed TP Mazembe, who have managed just 2 points thus far. With both teams desperate for points, this match sets the stage for an intense encounter.
On Saturday afternoon, Mamelodi Sundowns will be in for a tough test as they travel to Kinshasa to take on AS Maniema Union, currently fourth in Group B with 3 points. The Brazilians, also second in their group with 5 points, know that a victory could see them through to the quarterfinals, especially if Saturday night’s Moroccan derby between ASFAR and Raja Casablanca ends with ASFAR claiming another win.
Sundowns will be looking to bounce back after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Raja last weekend. Coach Miguel Cardoso faces the challenge of reorganizing his squad, missing key players Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau due to suspensions.
In Group C, the stakes are equally high as log leaders Orlando Pirates (8 points) and second-placed Al Ahly (7 points) aim to secure their advancement. The Red Eagles will travel to the Ivory Coast to meet bottom-placed Stade d’Abidjan, while the Buccaneers will host third-placed CR Belouizdad in a pivotal match in Soweto on Sunday afternoon. A win for both teams would guarantee their spots in the knockout rounds.
Finally, Group D presents its own drama, with Pyramids, currently in second place with 7 points, set to take on third-placed Sagrada Esperanca (5 points) in Luanda on Saturday evening. The following day, leaders Esperance de Tunis (7 points) will clash with bottom-dwellers Djoliba (2 points) in Bamako, as both teams strive for vital points in a tightly contested group.
