Saturday | March 11, 2022

It is not often that African giants draw swords in earlier stages of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League (CL). 

This Saturday will surely witness one of the greatest battles of stars assembled in Johannesburg between Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club (FC) and Al Ahly Sporting Club (SC) to take aim Africa’s prestigious crown at FNB Stadium at 15:00 SAT.

This Group A face-off played in South Africa (SA) is the second meeting between the duo in less than two weeks. In the first leg, Al Ahly lost 1-0 at home – in Egypt, and they are visiting Sundowns as wounded troops. At stake were three points which propelled Sundowns to the top of the group with seven points after playing three matches in the CL.

The travellers lie second after the same number of games seen off; and Al Ahly are aiming no less than a sweet revenge to better their 4-point collection in these round-robin stages. Having jetted down at OR Tambo International Airport in SA on Wednesday Mar. 9, they would have had just enough time to acclimatise for this eagerly awaited top-draw Champions League fixture. Judging by the fanfare since their arrival, they turned Johannesburg into their second home. There is little doubt that their mentor, the former SA senior men’s national team and Sundowns head coach, Pitso Mosimane made it easier for them. He was born in Kagiso, Krugersdorp, SA.

For their part, Sundowns are squarely focused on their quest to qualify for the quarterfinals of the most prized honour in the African continent. This is their second bite at the CL ultimate trophy hunt after winning it in 2016 (guided by Mosimane) for the first and only time in their history; becoming the second club to do so in South Africa on the heels of Orlando Pirates FC in 1995.

The host’s nemesis  [Al Ahly] have tested CAF CL on 10 occasions, crystalizing them with the most prestigious trophy wins in Africa. Mosimane too had a hand in thier trophy tally. Certainly, their record makes them one of the most successful and difficult sides to beat in African soil.

Be that as it may, for all their African conquering all these years, they have a challenge of mountainous proportion not only to climb but also assail and defeat formidable club in South Africa and indeed, an emerging force to be reckoned with in Africa. At stake though today are merely three points. Yet, they all count, more so between Sundowns and Al Ahly being among the most flamboyant sides in this tournament.

Al Hilal Omdurman and Al-Merrikh Sporting Club are also in Group A and have both accumulated four (each) points in four Champions League games. Although Al Ahly have the same number of points, they have a game in hand due this afternoon. All matters considered, by the end of the day all Group A teams would have played four CL round-robin games apiece.

As far as this Saturday’s match goes, a win for Al Ahly will render Group A wide open and make for an interesting race to earn the top-8 or quarterfinals spot. Should Sundowns emerge victorious this afternoon, they will stretch the lead and leave them on the brink of qualifying. The other three group contenders will have to fight it out for the second berth. A draw will give both Sundowns and Al Ahly advantage but leave Al Hilal and Al-Merreikh with a fair shot to qualify for the knock-out rounds.