The spotlight shines on Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates as they battle for top spots in a decisive CAF Champions League weekend.
Record African champions Al Ahly will step onto the Cairo International Stadium pitch this Saturday evening knowing that victory over Orlando Pirates will secure them the top spot in Group C of the CAF Champions League.
The reigning champions, already assured of a quarter-final place, will not only be playing for seeding but also for pride and momentum as they seek to defend their crown.
However, standing in their way is a determined Orlando Pirates side that holds a one-point advantage and will be eager to maintain their position at the summit.
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Michael Olunga has risen from humble beginnings to become Kenya’s highest-earning footballer, securing lucrative contracts across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The Buccaneers, buoyed by a crucial 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad last weekend, have already proven their resilience in this campaign. Coach Jose Riveiro has instilled a sense of belief and discipline in his squad and with progression already sealed, his focus now shifts to defending top spot.
For Al Ahly, last weekend’s 3-1 comeback triumph against Stade d’Abidjan was a statement of intent, with midfielder Emam Ashour stealing the show with a sensational second-half hat-trick.
Despite the absence of South African forward Percy Tau, who has completed a move to Qatar SC, coach Marcel Koller remains unfazed, insisting that his side possesses enough firepower to handle the Pirates’ challenge.
The head-to-head record slightly favors the South African outfit, with Pirates having won three of their seven previous encounters in CAF competitions compared to just one victory for Al Ahly.
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Their last meeting in Soweto ended in a goalless draw, and with so much at stake this time around, neither side will be willing to settle for anything less than three points.
While the spotlight shines brightly on Cairo, another African powerhouse, Mamelodi Sundowns, will also be in the thick of the action as they host Moroccan giants FAR Rabat at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.
The South African champions sit in second place in Group B, one point behind their visitors, and must win to ensure their progression without relying on other results.
Sundowns have been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, but with Raja Casablanca lurking in third place, they cannot afford any slip-ups.
The first meeting between Sundowns and FAR Rabat ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, with Iqraam Rayners and Khalid Aït Ouarkhane finding the net.
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However, this time around, Sundowns will have the advantage of playing in front of their home fans, where they have been dominant, boasting an unbeaten streak of ten matches across all competitions.
FAR Rabat, already assured of a place in the last eight, will not be easy opponents. With nothing to lose, they could play with the freedom that makes them even more dangerous.
Sundowns will need to be at their best, with key players such as Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile expected to rise to the occasion.
Elsewhere in Group B, Raja Casablanca will be hoping to keep their quarterfinal dreams alive when they take on Maniema Union.
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The Moroccan giants, currently on five points, must win and hope Sundowns falter against FAR Rabat. A victory alone may not be enough, as goal difference could become a decisive factor if Sundowns drop points.
Over in Group A, the battle for the second quarterfinal spot is set to go down to the wire when Young Africans host MC Alger at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Tanzania.
With Al Hilal already through, MC Alger sit second with eight points and need only a draw to progress. However, Young Africans, trailing by just one point, know that only a win will see them through.
The Tanzanian side will be full of confidence after their stunning 1-0 win over Al Hilal in Sudan, with the influential Aziz Ki leading the charge. On the other hand, MC Alger remain unbeaten in four matches, and their ability to grind out results could prove vital in this high-stakes encounter.
At the same time, TP Mazembe, already eliminated from contention, will host Al Hilal in a match of little consequence in terms of qualification but one that presents an opportunity for pride and redemption.
The Congolese giants have endured a disappointing campaign, and while they have nothing to play for, they will want to give their fans something to cheer about.
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In Group D, Esperance will look to cement their place as group winners when they take on Sagrada Esperança.
The Tunisian heavyweights currently lead the group with ten points, and a win will guarantee them top spot. With an impressive 23-match unbeaten streak at home, they will be confident of securing the necessary result.
Pyramids, meanwhile, will be keeping a close eye on events in Tunisia as they face bottom-placed Djoliba in Cairo.
The Egyptian side, currently second in the group, need a victory and an Esperance slip-up to claim the top spot.
Djoliba, without a win in the competition, will be playing for pride, but Pyramids, spearheaded by the in-form Ibrahim Adel, should have enough firepower to secure maximum points.
Back in Group C, Belouizdad and Stade d’Abidjan will battle it out in a dead-rubber fixture at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962. With both teams already eliminated, the match will be a mere formality, though Belouizdad will aim to finish third, while Stade d’Abidjan search for their first win in the tournament.
