The CAF Champions League quarter-finals will be decided this week. Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are among the teams in pole position to progress.
Orlando Pirates picked up a 1-0 away win over MC Alger in the first leg, while Mamelodi Sundowns got a 1-0 win over Espérance. Both teams will be eager to make a statement that South African soccer is here at the top to stay in the CAF Champions League.
CAF Champions League Game to Watch: Espérance vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (0-1)
Mamelodi Sundowns (3.95) will face off with Espérance (1.97) in Radès on Tuesday. Miguel Cardoso’s men hold a 1-0 lead over his former side from the first leg.
Two of the best teams in Africa will do battle. Espérance are a team that likes to stay compact and let the opponents have possession. In the first leg, Sundowns had 80% of the ball but only managed three shots on target.
Espérance, by contrast, did not have any shots on target. What should make the second leg a fascinating contest is that now, Espérance have no choice but to be more offensive as they search for a goal.
Sundowns are likely to progress to the semi-finals after thoroughly dominating the first leg.
Orlando Pirates vs. MC Alger (1-0)
The other CAF Champions League game featuring a South African outfit will see Orlando Pirates (1.95) host MC Alger (4.30) on Wednesday. The Buccaneers will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg at Orlando Stadium because of Mohau Nkota’s winner.
Pirates have three wins in a row in all competitions and are undefeated in their last six matches. However, they are reeling from the news that José Riveiro will not renew his contract as head coach after the end of this season.
That may serve to motivate the Buccaneers to win this competition for him, although it may also cause uncertainty.
Pirates are the likely winners of this tie and it would be a huge shock if MC Alger were able to turn it around on away soil.
Al Hilal vs. Al Ahly (0-1)
Defending champions Al Ahly (Egypt), the most prestigious club in Africa, will look to defend their 1-0 advantage against Sudan’s Al Hilal in the away leg at the Stade de la Capitale on Tuesday.
The first leg was decided by a Mohamed Hany winner in the 11th minute. The defending champions have to be viewed as the favourites for this tie.
AS FAR vs. Pyramids (1-4)
Egypt’s Pyramids already have one foot in the semi-finals and will seek to finish the job against AS FAR on Tuesday in Meknes.
The first leg saw Fiston Mayele and Ibrahim Adel each get braces for Pyramids, with Abdelfattah Hadraf scoring for AS FAR.
Conclusion: South African Flag Flying High at CAF Champions League
The CAF Champions League quarter-finals are finely poised. South African clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates look set to progress. Both earned crucial 1-0 first-leg wins and now play at home.
Sundowns dominated Espérance in the first leg and have the quality to control the return fixture. Pirates are on a strong run and will want to give José Riveiro a winning send-off. Their home advantage against MC Alger could prove decisive.
Al Ahly remain strong contenders. The Egyptian giants know how to win on the continent. A 1-0 first-leg win gives them the edge over Al Hilal. Pyramids, meanwhile, are all but through. Their 4-1 win over AS FAR gives them a huge cushion.
This week’s second legs will decide the semi-finalists. Fans can expect drama, intensity, and high-quality soccer. The tournament is heating up as teams push for continental glory.
Online sports betting fans will be watching closely. Tight contests offer value, but favourites like Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Pyramids are in control.
The quarter-finals are setting the tone for a thrilling finish. South African soccer is flying the flag proudly. CAF Champions League glory is in sight.
