Pro Philani looks at the group campaign of Africa’s elite club competition, CAF – which was concluded on Saturday.
Raja Casablanca (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (SA), Esperance (Tunisia), and Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), finished as group winners and will be seeded and paired against CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Al Ahly (Egypt), JS Kabyilie (Algeria)T, and Simba (Tanzania), who all finished second in their respective groups.
Raja were the best performers in the group stages having accumulated 16 points, equalling group stages record set by Group B winner, Sundowns in 2022. Worst performers came from the country of Cameroon, Coton Sport, who finished without a single point, scoring 3 and letting in 16 goals. Not only did they become the worst performers in Group B, but they also became worst performers in a 16-teams’ tournament.
North Africa will seek to dominate the CAFCL once again as they have 6 clubs in the knockout stages. Morocco (2), Algeria (2), Tunisia (1), and Egypt (1) will feel the threat of the Southern hemisphere where East African giants, Simba SC, and 2016 champions Sundowns await their fate.
Sundowns will avoid Al Ahly in the next round as they were in the same group during group stages. The draw could potentially pair them against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad who they met in 2020/21 season, or Simba from Tanzania, or JS Kabyille of Algeria.
The top 8 clubs in Africa, 2023.
— Given Edward (@GIVENALITY) April 2, 2023
🏆 CAF *Champions League* Quarter Finalists pic.twitter.com/NytBDvCsdA
Masandawana coach, Rhulani Mokwena informed the media in his post-match interview on Saturday evening after Sundowns had defeated Coton Sport, 2-1, at Loftus that Sundowns sent analysts to watch four potential opponents live in their final group stages matches so that they can have a feel of what to expect. This is how much the South Africans are willing to go to ensure they emulate their 2016 successful campaign.
Current holders Wydad, four times winners Esperance, 3 times winners Raja, are among title favourites and will most likely meet 10 times champions Al Ahly in the quarter final. The African club of the century needed a final day victory to confirm their progression to the knockout stages of this year’s competition. Ahly are a different class when they get to this stage and with Kahraba and Tau in perfect form, whoever doubts the Egyptians’ mantle in the tournament will be left humbled.
The knockout stages draw will be held on Wednesday, the 5th of April at a venue to be announced.
