Former champions line up for group stage - CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
 |
| AFP |
With just two matches separating the teams from the prestigious group phase of the CAF Champions League, there is much at stake for the remaining 16 clubs involved in this weekend's first leg matches of the second round. An indication of just how strong the competition is this year is the fact that of the eight ties there is just one that does not involve a former champion.
Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, who between them have won the showpiece event of African club football 13 times, are desperate to bring back their glory days after having watched Algeria and DR Congo dominate the finals of the last two years. Two years ago Algerian club ES Setif beat Vita Club in the two-legged final, while Vita's Congolese rivals TP Mazembe won their fifth crown last year over USM Alger. In that time, 2013 champions Al Ahly have even failed to escape the knock-out stage.
Ahly coach Martin Jol, who takes his talented side to Tanzania for their first leg against Young Africans, can again call on first-choice goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy, who has returned after a lengthy injury lay-off. The Dutchman, who is in his first season with the Red Devils, has included Malick Evouna in the side after the Gabonese striker received a heavy fine from the club after he missed the last league game because he returned late from international duty.
Ahly's Cairo rivals Zamalek won this event four times between the mid-1980s and 90s, but they have not lifted the trophy in 14 years. They go into their clash at home against MO Bejaia on the back of a disappointing home defeat in the league against Ismaily. The defending champions TP Mazembe are away in Morocco for their clash against Wydad Casablanca, with the hosts having seen their lead at the top of the Botola Pro League cut with a defeat at home in their last match against Hassania Agadir. Former Real Madrid coach John Toshack, however, rested some of his regulars for that clash and expects his side to show a different face against the five-time Champions League winners.
Looking for glory
Southern African clubs have traditionally under-performed in the competition, with Orlando Pirates being the only team to lift the trophy – way back in 1995. Since then Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Zimbabwean club Dynamos have made the championship match but fell short at the final hurdle.
Sundowns are away to Vita Club in Congo DR, knowing that they have a tough task on their hands. Their coach Pitso Mosimane can call on midfielder Hlompho Kekana, who missed the club's last fixture due to suspension. “An away goal is very important and if we get that, then we can definitely pull it off when they come [to South Africa] for the second-leg,” Sundowns midfielder Asavela Mbekile told reporters, adding: “I think we have got quality all over.”
The only tie that does not feature at least one previous winner sees Zambian club ZESCO United travel to Mali for their game against Stade Malien. The Zambians last advanced to the group phase in 2009 and have struggled in the competition since then. Their task in Mali will not have been made any easier by the absence of creative midfielder Cletus Chama and defender David Odhiambo, who are both suspended.
Last year's semi-finalists and experienced campaigners Al Merreikh will have their work cut out for them if they want to repeat that this year around. The Sudanese club must get through 2014 winner ES Setif at home in their first leg. The Algerian club has seen their domestic season unravel as they have been knocked out of the cup, have no chance in the league and desperately need to advance at least to the group stage in the Champions League to save their season. Setif's Swiss coach Alain Geiger will be without defender Kheireddine Laaroussi and striker Mansour Benathmane, who are both injured, while captain Mourad Delhoum is suspended. “The whole team is aware of the importance of this mission. We need to score goals in Sudan and come back with a positive result. That would be half the way towards qualification," the coach said.
The two final ties see two-time winners Enyimba at home to Etoile du Sahel, while ASEC Mimosas entertain Libyan club Al Ahli.