The path to this year’s CAF Champions League title is a little clearer with the quarterfinal draw. It also looks like CAF wants a Sundowns v Al Ahly final. But we could be on course for a first “outsider champion” since 2016 when Sundowns won it. I know some may argue that I have to go further back to 2014 for that kind of Champion. Let’s agree to disagree.
The pre-tournament favourites will be heading to the Dar es Salaam slaughterhouse. Meanwhile, unconvincing TP Mazembe and Esperance Tunis have been rewarded with easy fixtures. You may as well argue that Petro Luanda and ASEC Mimosas are rubbing their hands at the prospect of advancing to the semifinals.
Check out this early preview and prediction of the CAFCL quarterfinal matches. Things will get clearer as we get closer to the respective matchdays
Simba v Al Ahly
This will be Al Ahly’s second trip to Dar es Salaam this season. Mind you, they also faced Simba in the African Football League. All in all, Dar es Salaam is not a happy hunting ground for Ahly. They’ve lost all their CAFCL away matches to Simba. The Red team from Tanzania isn’t that good of a traveller to Cairo either. I think you know what I’m getting at with this fixture.
Early Prediction: Both teams secure home wins but Al Ahly advances on aggregate.
TP Mazembe v Petro Luanda
Petro Luanda did not concede a goal throughout the group stage. TP Mazembe, on the other hand, didn’t score a goal away throughout the group stage. But they did look pretty good when playing at home and for this reason we expect this to be two close fixtures. Petro Luanda will probably be happy with a narrow defeat in Kamalondo as they feel they can finish the job at home. But can they?
Early Prediction: My heart says TP Mazembe wins on aggregate despite losing away but my head says Petro Luanda wins on away goals rule despite losing away.
Esperance Tunis v ASEC Mimosas
Do you think this draw is a reward for Esperance Tunis or for ASEC Mimosas? The Tunis side rebuild is going on pretty well after Tarek Thabet derailed the squad. ASEC Mimosas don’t look that good in terms of form but have two matches to fix issues ahead of the first leg in Rades.
Early Prediction: Esperance gets a very good home win making the match in Abidjan a formality.
Yanga v Sundowns
Personally, this is the match I was hoping would be drawn. We’re anticipating two entertaining encounters – and maybe a shock result. They are both in good form and like imposing their will on a match. Sundowns don’t come across many teams that just enjoy playing football as they do. On the other hand, that Yanga defense…It’s going to be two good matches, whoever goes through.
Early Prediction: Goal! Goals! Goals! But with Sundowns winning home and away. Hehe.
CAF Observer 