My antagonistic position against the CAF Confederation Cup is clear by now. But it feels bad not to have covered anything about it so far. The CAFCC quarterfinals draw gives a good excuse to do just that. Fans may feel that we already know three of the four semifinalists but I say let everything be decided on the pitch. We already saw how useless the favorite tag can be with what happened to Club Africain…even though it’s Club Africain.
What are my early thoughts on the CAFCC quarterfinals this season? Read more and find out. We’ll get more precise as the matchday gets closer.
Future v Zamalek
Modern Future is joining a long list of “the other” Egyptian clubs that have tried to make something of themselves on the continent. We’ve seen Haras El Houdoud, ENPPI, Smouha and Pyramids try and fail. It’s hard to see Future FC being the one to break the streak because they’ll be facing a Zamalek team that they have lost to every time in the past. Not to mention that the White Knights are the CAFCC favorites.
Early Prediction: it just has to be a home and away win for Zamalek.
Abu Salim v RS Berkane
RS Berkane replaced CS Sfaxien as that CAF Confederation Cup team. It’s a shame that they don’t give the CAFCC winner direct entry to CAFCL because RSB won’t do it via Botola but I digress. RSB got the most points in the group stage but will face their first real test in the competition this season against Abu Salim. The Libyans almost pulled the classic nine-points routine of three home wins and three away losses. They’ll count a lot on that first leg match.
Early Prediction: RS Berkane forces a draw away from home before finishing the job a typical 2-0 CAFCL/CAFCC home win.
Rivers Utd v USM Alger
Rivers Utd took advantage of Club Africain’s slip up to reach the last eight. But they find themselves where their campaign ended last season – having to do it with the second leg away from home. This will be quite a task against the defending champions. USM Alger has also already been tested by facing Supersport Utd and Modern Future in the group stage.
Early Prediction: Everyone gets a home win but USM Alger goes through on aggregate – they’ll win by more in Algiers.
Stade Malien v Dreams FC
Stade Malien amassed so many points despite not being particularly impressive (just CAFCC things). The 2009 champions have been “rewarded” by avoiding the three pre-tournament favourites that won their respective groups. I wouldn’t underestimate the top-scoring side from the group stage though. Dreams FC will have to continue doing it by outscoring their opponents because their defense has been leaky.
Early Prediction: Stade Malien frustrates their opponents and knocks them out on away goals rule.
CAF Observer 