CAF Champions League Second Leg Preview: Sundowns, Pirates, Esperance Fight for Group Stage
The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League reaches a decisive stage this weekend, with some of Africa’s biggest clubs staring at early elimination. The 15 remaining Second Preliminary Round return legs run from Friday, 23 October to Sunday, 25 October, and 15 group stage places are up for grabs.
Tanzania’s Young Africans are already through after a 4-1 win over CFFA completed an 8-1 aggregate victory.
Giants Under Pressure
Four-time champions Espérance host Swehly SC on Saturday needing to wipe out a 1-0 first-leg loss, with the Libyans 90 minutes away from a historic result. MC Alger must overturn a 2-0 deficit against Rangers International on Friday, while Petro Atlético face a similar mountain against Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC after losing the first leg 2-0.
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Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Angola’s Wiliete on Friday after a 0-0 draw away. On Sunday, five-time winners TP Mazembe travel to Club Africain after a 1-1 draw in Lubumbashi.
Who Is Well Placed?
Orlando Pirates carry a 1-0 win from Namibia into their clash with African Stars. Egypt’s Pyramids and Zamalek also hold 1-0 away wins ahead of Saturday’s home legs. Simba are heavy favourites after a 6-1 thrashing of 15 de Agosto, and RS Berkane, Al Hilal and Colombe Sportive all lead by two goals.
Elsewhere, ASEC Mimosas host MAS de Fès after a 1-1 draw, Horoya take a slim 1-0 lead to Al Merriekh, and FC Nouadhibou must overturn a 2-1 deficit against FC San Pedro.
The group stage starts at the end of November, and with so many narrow margins, more surprises are on the cards.
