By CGTN Africa Sports Correspondent Saddique Shaban
Africa’s premier clubs competition enters a defining stage this weekend, with tickets to the finals of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederations Cup on offer.
CAF Champions League
It will be an all-North African affair in the semi-finals and the final. Algeria’s USM Algers are away in Morocco against Wydad Casablanca in the second leg of the semi-final on Saturday. The teams played to a goalless draw in the first leg.
USM Alger’s defender Redouane Cherifi says they are braced for the anticipated hostile reception from Casablanca’s home crowd: “We will play in the stadium normally with no fear, because we usually play in several other stadiums with other teams that have large supporters. Our objective is to play well, and we will do our best to qualify.”
On Sunday, Al Ahly of Egypt will be at home against Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in a win-or-bust semi-final return tie. The Tunisian side take a 2-1 lead into the second leg. The winner of the match, to be played at the 85,000-seat Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, will qualify for the finals of the African Champions League
CAF Confederations Cup
Unlike the CAF Champions League, two teams from outside North Africa and the Maghreb are in contention for the final. South Africa’s SuperSport United are away in Tunisia against Club Africain in semi-final second-leg on Sunday. The South Africans scored late in the first-leg in Tshwane, forcing a 1-1 draw.
Matsatsantsa head coach Eric Tinkler has admitted his side will need to do better in order to make the finals.
“We are bracing ourselves for a big fight but I believe in my players’ abilities and they have shown that they can thrive when put under pressure. Such competitions are where you judge yourself against the best and we need to step up. This is a trophy that I want to win as a coach and I almost did it with Pirates.”
But first, holders DR Congo’s TP Mazembe will play 2010 winners FUS Rabat at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Morocco on Saturday in the first match of the second semi-finals.
The Ravens long-trip to Morocco is buoyed by a slender advantage 1-0 from the first leg tie in Lubumbashi. Ben Malango netted the all-important goal for the Ravens who will be looking to finish the job in Rabat.
