ADVERTISEMENT

African rookies Kampala desperate to topple giants Ahly

Both clubs began their Group A campaigns disappointingly with Ahly held 0-0 at home by Esperance of Tunisia and Kampala losing 1-0 away to Township Rollers of Botswana.

"This is a very important match for us and it will not be easy, but we hope to win," Ahly coach Hossam el Badry told reporters when the African giants arrived in the Ugandan capital.

There are six fixtures this Tuesday, one on Wednesday and one next Tuesday and AFP Sport takes a group-by-group look at what is at stake.

Group A

ADVERTISEMENT

The Kampala-Ahly clash in Namboole is a potential cracker as the Egyptians dare not lose while the Ugandans must win to be realistic contenders for a top-two finish and a quarter-finals spot.

El Badry has kept faith in young South African Phakamani Mahlambi, including him in the squad after he squandered several good chances to break the deadlock against Esperance.

The Tunisians will lack injured striker Taha Yassine Khenissi at home to Rollers in Rades, but it would be a shock if the two-time champions failed to secure full points.

Group B

TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo made a fantastic start to what is widely regarded as the toughest group by hammering Entente Setif of Algeria 4-1 in Lubumbashi.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rapidly improving Congolese Ben Malango bagged a brace and will need close policing in Morocco from Difaa el Jadida, who exceeded expectations by holding Mouloudia Alger 1-1 in Algeria.

Setif host Mouloudia in an Algerian derby and another loss for the two-time champions would all but end their challenge just a third of the way through the mini-league phase.

Group C

While it is dangerous to assume any fixture is a foregone conclusion, it would be a sensation if defending champions Wydad Casablanca of Morocco fail to defeat visiting Port of Togo.

Wydad drew 1-1 at 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa through an Ismail el Haddad header while Port were the only matchday 1 losers at home, falling 2-1 to Horoya of Guinea.

ADVERTISEMENT

Horoya host Sundowns in Conakry on May 22 as the Pretoria club play Lionel Messi-inspired Spanish league and cup winners Barcelona in a friendly in Johannesburg this Wednesday.

Group D

Etoile Sahel of Tunisia and Mbabane Swallows of Swaziland can move three points clear of Zesco United of Zambia and Primeiro Agosto of Angola if they use home advantage to maximum effect.

Swallows created a stir last year by making the last 16 of the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup and host Primeiro in Manzini having come from behind to hold Zesco 1-1 in Ndola.

There was a similar scoreline in Luanda between Primeiro and Sahel, whose 4-1 thrashing by Club Africain in the Tunisian FA Cup final at the weekend was a bitter blow before hosting Zesco.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Gov Mbah plans befitting burial for Nollywood stars Mr Ibu, Junior Pope

Gov Mbah plans befitting burial for Nollywood stars Mr Ibu, Junior Pope

Tinubu made naira world’s best, what PDP failed to do in 16 years - Onanuga

Tinubu made naira world’s best, what PDP failed to do in 16 years - Onanuga

8 suspects disrupt inauguration of appointed commissioners at Kano Govt House

8 suspects disrupt inauguration of appointed commissioners at Kano Govt House

Yahaya Bello stripped of police protection as IG withdraws officers attached to him

Yahaya Bello stripped of police protection as IG withdraws officers attached to him

No need to run when EFCC invites you, Cubana Chief Priest advises Nigerians

No need to run when EFCC invites you, Cubana Chief Priest advises Nigerians

Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details

Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details

Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building

Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building

NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products

NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products

Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves

Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT