The second leg semifinal matches in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will headline football in Africa this weekend, as the continent’s heavyweight clubs chase glory.
The evening of Friday, April 25 is all about the CAF Champions League, with the return games in Egypt pitting hosts Al Ahly and Pyramids FC against South African visitors Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, respectively.
The first leg matches this past weekend both ended 0-0, leaving the North African sides with something of an advantage – though Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller remains cautious ahead of their clash against the Brazilians at the Cairo International Stadium.
“We faced a strong opponent and missed several scoring chances,” Koller said in the wake of the draw in Pretoria. “But we prevented them from taking control at home. The tie is decided over two matches, and we still have the return leg.”
As for Orlando Pirates and their clash against Pyramids at the 30 June Stadium, coach Jose Riveiro knows that only his side can now benefit from the away goals rule.
“Not a bad result considering that the goals away from home can be double,” Riveiro noted. “We have [to have] a very good game in Egypt if we want to go through. But I’m really proud of the boys, yeah still open.”
While Sundowns dominated on the ball, it was the Egyptian giants who created more scoring opportunities. Now though, both sides will look ahead to their second-leg clash which is scheduled to commence at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening.
Reflecting on the first-leg game in South Africa, Downs coach Miguel Cardoso lamented the lack of fan support at the popular Loftus stadium.
“Of course, I am very happy that our fans today helped us but it’s so sad to see such a beautiful stadium almost empty when you have a semi-final of the Champions League,” Cardoso said.
“We should have a full stadium supporting us, giving us extra energy that 20% that also motivates you in the front.”
On Sunday, the return games in the Confederation Cup see the home sides, Stellenbosch FC of South Africa and Algeria’s CS Constantine, looking to overturn deficits against Simba SC (Tanzania) and RS Berkane (Morocco), respectively.
Fadlu Davids and his Simba charges will take a 1-0 lead into their second leg assignment against Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, April 27.
Despite the win, Davids was critical of his player’s performances and urged Simba to improve in their game on South African soil.
“So, clearly we have to improve this performance, it was definitely not good enough in terms of what the players can do and we really expect and I know believe me, my players will be ready for the return leg once we get to South Africa,” Davids said.
Stellies have the better shot at turning their tie around, as they are only 1-0 down compared to 4-0 for CSS, but will nonetheless have to produce a memorable performance at the Moses Mabhida Stadium if they are to advance into the final.
“There is belief in one another. The trust in each other is on a higher level,” Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker said.
All these mouth-watering ties will available for your viewing pleasure on DStv and GOtv, where there is no better place to get your season-long ticket to the best football the world has to offer.
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DStv broadcast details
CAF Champions League
Friday 25 April
18:00: Al Ahly v Mamelodi Sundowns – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4
20:00: Pyramids FC v Orlando Pirates – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport Variety 4 and SuperSport Maximo 2
CAF Confederation Cup
Sunday 27 April
15:00: Stellenbosch FC v Simba SC – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4
18:00: CS Constantine v RS Berkane – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4
GOtv broadcast details
CAF Champions League
Friday 25 April
18:00: Al Ahly v Mamelodi Sundowns – LIVE on SuperSport GOtv Africa
20:00: Pyramids FC v Orlando Pirates – LIVE on SuperSport GOtv Africa
CAF Confederation Cup
Sunday 27 April
15:00: Stellenbosch FC v Simba SC – LIVE on SuperSport GOtv Football
18:00: CS Constantine v RS Berkane – LIVE on SuperSport GOtv Africa
