Four matches will be played in the CAF Champions League on Saturday, with teams battling for crucial knockout stage spots.
South Africa Premier Soccer League giants Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to reignite their CAF Champions League campaign when they face AS Maniema Union at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Saturday, January 11.
Miguel Cardoso’s reign as Sundowns head coach got off to a promising start, but the Brazilian tactician now finds himself under pressure following his team’s 1-0 loss to Raja Casablanca in Morocco on January 4.
The defeat, marred by the dismissals of Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau, left the Brazilians trailing Group B leaders AS FAR by three points.
Kenya battled with ten men in a thrilling Mapinduzi Cup clash and the host now will now face Burkina Faso in the final.
Despite the setback, Cardoso remains optimistic about his team’s chances, urging them to move past the disappointment and focus on the challenges ahead.
“We have to forget the 5-0 of the first round and be focused in tomorrow as what they did after that loss to us speaks volume,” said Cardoso, reflecting on the lessons learned.
“If we really think of reaching the finals of this competition, we need to fully focus on the next match and not dwell on the past.”
The Congolese outfit Maniema Union, who held Sundowns to a goalless draw in their first meeting, have also faced their fair share of struggles.
)
Kenya has produced many football talents, and Bradley Eloff’s journey from Kawangware to Spain highlights a promising new star.
A 2-0 defeat to AS FAR on matchday four ended their unbeaten run in the group, but they remain a formidable force at home, having held both Moroccan sides to 1-1 draws.
Maniema will hope to capitalize on their home advantage and narrow the two-point gap separating them from Sundowns.
Elsewhere, another intriguing Group B match will see Sagrada Esperança take on Pyramids FC at 7pm.
Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite their commanding 5-0 victory over Sagrada in the reverse fixture.
“What they did after that loss to us speaks volume. Sagrada has not conceded since the defeat,” Jurcic noted.
“We need to fully focus on the next match and not dwell on the past.”
)
The former Sofapaka coach Robert Matano has parted ways with the club to pursue a new opportunity in Tanzania.
For Sagrada, their recent victory over Djoliba has provided a much-needed boost as they look to remain in contention.
Interim coach Francisco “Frank” Hungo acknowledged the stakes involved, stating, “Against Pyramids, it is a must win so that we can continue being in contention for a place in the next stage.”
Meanwhile, Al Ahly, perennial favorites in the CAF Champions League, will face Stade d’Abidjan in a crucial Group A encounter at 7pm.
With several key players sidelined due to injuries, coach Marcel Koller admitted the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver.
“The pressure is always on us,” Koller remarked. “We respect the opponent and must stay 100% focused to ensure victory.”
Stade d’Abidjan, despite their struggles, have shown resilience throughout the group stage.
)
Former South Africa striker Benni McCarthy has been heavily linked with the Harambee Stars job but is it a ‘done deal’ as has been widely reported?
Douayere Serge Alain, the Ivorian club’s coach, highlighted the experience gained from facing top teams like Al Ahly, saying, “We have been punished for lack of experience but rubbing against great teams helps us. We are going to try to disrupt the ranking.”
The day’s action will conclude with a high-stakes Moroccan derby as Group B leaders AS FAR host Raja Casablanca at 10pm.
With eight points, FAR Rabat need just a draw to secure their place in the knockout phase, while Raja are desperate to keep their qualification hopes alive.
)
Blow for Stade Reims as their star defender departs in a Ksh 2.6 billion move to the Premier League.
AS FAR coach Hubert Velud acknowledged the magnitude of the derby, emphasizing its significance not just for qualification but also for the club’s pride.
“The match against Raja is often a great challenge for us as a club,” Velud said.
“Tomorrow will be decisive for both teams, and we are aiming for victory to qualify.”
Raja, buoyed by their recent win over Sundowns, are equally determined to take the three points.
Hafid Abdessadek, the team’s coach, expressed confidence in his squad, stating, “Our goal is to qualify, and that is why we are doing everything possible to reach our goal.”
)
The Bafana Bafana striker Percy Tau is set for a medical in Qatar, signaling his imminent move to the league.
Saturday’s fixtures promise a thrilling day of action in the CAF Champions League, with every match carrying significant implications for the knockout phase.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, the journey to redemption begins in Kinshasa, where a victory over Maniema Union could provide the momentum they need to reignite their campaign.
The Brazilians know the stakes are high but under Miguel Cardoso’s guidance, they remain confident in their ability to rise to the occasion.
