The spotlight is firmly on Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates as they vie for top spots in the CAF Champions League this weekend, with critical matches set to determine the fate of several teams.
Al Ahly, the record African champions, will face Orlando Pirates at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening. A victory for Al Ahly will secure them the top spot in Group C, ensuring a favorable seeding in the quarter-finals. The reigning champions, already assured of a place in the next round, will be playing not just for progression but also for momentum as they aim to defend their crown. However, Orlando Pirates, who hold a one-point advantage over Al Ahly, will be determined to maintain their position at the summit. The Pirates, buoyed by a recent 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad, have shown resilience throughout the campaign. Coach Jose Riveiro has instilled discipline and belief in his squad, and with progression already sealed, the focus will be on defending top spot. Al Ahly, despite missing key player Percy Tau, will rely on their depth and recent form, including a 3-1 comeback win against Stade d’Abidjan, where Emam Ashour stole the show with a second-half hat-trick.
The head-to-head record between the two sides favors Orlando Pirates, who have won three of their previous seven encounters in CAF competitions. Their last meeting ended in a goalless draw, and with so much at stake, both teams will be desperate for three points.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns will host Moroccan giants FAR Rabat at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday. Sundowns, sitting second in Group B, are one point behind FAR Rabat and must secure a victory to guarantee their progression to the quarter-finals without relying on other results. Sundowns have been consistent in the tournament, but with Raja Casablanca lurking in third place, they cannot afford any slip-ups. The first encounter between Sundowns and FAR Rabat ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams scoring late goals. Sundowns will have the advantage of playing at home, where they have been dominant, remaining unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions. FAR Rabat, already assured of a place in the last eight, will have the freedom to play without pressure, making them a dangerous opponent. Sundowns will rely on key players such as Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile to rise to the occasion.
Elsewhere in Group B, Raja Casablanca will need to win against Maniema Union to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. With five points, Raja Casablanca must secure a victory and hope that Sundowns falter against FAR Rabat. A victory alone may not be enough, as goal difference could play a crucial role if Sundowns drop points.
In Group A, the battle for the second quarter-final spot will go down to the wire when Young Africans host MC Alger in Tanzania. MC Alger, sitting second with eight points, need only a draw to progress, while Young Africans, trailing by just one point, must win to secure their place in the next round. Young Africans will be full of confidence after their stunning 1-0 win over Al Hilal, while MC Alger remains unbeaten in their last four matches.
In Group D, Esperance will look to cement their place as group winners when they take on Sagrada Esperança. The Tunisian giants lead the group with ten points, and a win will guarantee them top spot. Meanwhile, Pyramids, sitting second in the group, need a victory and an Esperance slip-up to claim the top spot. Djoliba, already eliminated from contention, will face Pyramids in Cairo, playing for pride but with little to lose.
Finally, in Group C, CR Belouizdad and Stade d’Abidjan will face off in a dead-rubber fixture. Both teams are already eliminated, but Belouizdad will aim to finish third, while Stade d’Abidjan will be looking for their first win of the campaign.
