As the second leg of the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League approaches, some of Africa’s top football clubs are poised to secure their places in the group stage.
Al Ahly, ES Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns, having registered commanding wins in their first-leg encounters, will look to complete the job this weekend.
Al Ahly vs Gor Mahia: Cairo Awaits Decisive Encounter
Defending champions Al Ahly enter their home tie against Gor Mahia with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead.
The Cairo International Stadium will host the clash on Saturday, where Al Ahly is expected to confirm their passage to the group stage.
Despite the formidable challenge, Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Neiva believes his team still has something to offer.
“We have to be realistic because our chances are slim in this confrontation,” admitted Neiva. “But we must try to win the game and adapt to this level of football. It’s crucial to maintain good ball possession.”
Neiva has described the matchup as an ‘unfair pairing’ due to the disparity between the two sides, but Al Ahly remains focused on their quest for a record-extending 13th CAF Champions League title.
Marcel Koller’s men, buoyed by their first-leg performance, will look to dominate from the onset and ensure they advance without any hiccups.
ES Tunis vs Dekedaha: Comfort in Hammadi Agrebi
ES Tunis will host Dekedaha at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, taking a 4-1 advantage into the second leg.
The Tunisian giants were dominant in their previous encounter, with Youcef Belaili scoring twice and goals from Yan Sasse and Yassine Meriah sealing the victory.
The team will be keen to build on their impressive start as they seek another deep run in the competition.
With a potent attack and solid defense, ES Tunis are favorites to progress, but they will be wary of any complacency that could allow Dekedaha to stage an unlikely comeback.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Mbabane Swallows: Sundowns Look to Cruise
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, are set to face Mbabane Swallows with a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead.
The match, scheduled for Saturday evening at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, sees Sundowns aiming to continue their pursuit of a second CAF Champions League title.
“We’ve made significant progress, but we must remain focused,” Mngqithi stated. “Our goal is to secure a convincing win and build momentum for the group stages.”
With a robust squad and home advantage, Sundowns are expected to dominate the match and secure their place in the next round comfortably.
Moroccan Clubs Seek to Capitalize on First-Leg Draws
In other fixtures, Moroccan representatives Raja Casablanca and AS FAR will both be looking to build on their respective 2-2 draws in the first leg.
Raja faces FC Samartex, while AS FAR takes on Al Merrikh. Both teams will be under pressure to perform in front of their home fans and ensure their spots in the group stage.
As the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League preliminary round unfolds, the stage is set for thrilling encounters with the continent’s best clubs aiming to assert their dominance and progress further in the prestigious competition.
Full Fixtures
Friday, 20 September
CR Belouizdad vs Douanes
Saturday, 21 September
TP Mazembe vs Red Arrows
Petro de Luanda vs Maniema Union
Al Ahly vs Gor Mahia
Orlando Pirates vs Jwaneng Galaxy
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Swallows
Young Africans vs CBE SA
ES Tunis vs Dekedaha
Pyramids vs APR
Raja CA vs Samartex
MC Alger vs Monastir
Sunday, 22 September
Sagrada Esperanca vs Enugu Rangers
Milo vs Stade d’Abidjan
ASKO vs Djoliba
AS FAR vs Al-Merrikh
Al-Hilal vs San-Pedro
Source: CAF Online
