Champions League, tomorrow: FAR Rabat and Raja Casablanca ready for the Moroccan derby as the fifth day promises to be decisive
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
Apart from Al Hilal of Sudan, the only team already guaranteed to compete in the next stage, all the other clubs involved in the prestigious African inter-club competition still have to work hard to get their ticket.
Group A
The Sudanese giants of Al Hilal Omdurman, already qualified for the quarter-finals, welcome the Young Africans on Sunday in a duel whose outcome promises to be decisive for the final ranking. Al Hilal lead the group with 10 points and will look to consolidate their position. The Young Africans, encouraged by their victorious comeback against TP Mazembe on the 4th day, need a positive result to keep their hopes of qualification alive. Meanwhile, MC Alger will look to strengthen its position by hosting Mazembe on Friday. A victory for the Algerians would bring them closer to second place in the final ranking.
Group B
FAR Rabat will look to secure their place in the next round when they host Raja Casablanca in a high-stakes Moroccan derby on Saturday. Rabat’s FAR lead the group with eight points and only need a draw to advance. Raja, who is coming off a narrow victory against Mamelodi Sundowns, will be keen to avenge their defeat in the first leg against this Moroccan championship rival. Sundowns travel to Congo to face Maniema Union. Both teams must earn points to stay in the race.
Group C
Orlando Pirates top Group C but face a tough test at home against CR Belouizdad on Sunday. The Pirates, with eight points, can qualify if they win. Belouizdad, two points behind, will look to capitalize on their spectacular victory against Al Ahly. The Egyptian title holders, now third in the group, must defeat bottom-placed Stade d’Abidjan on Saturday to avoid a surprise elimination.
Group D
Group D remains even tighter, with Pyramids and Esperance tied on seven points. The Pyramids travel to Angola to face Sagrada Esperança on Saturday, with the possibility of qualifying in the event of a draw. La Sagrada, with five points, will look to capitalize on the home advantage. Meanwhile, Esperance travel to Djoliba on Sunday, looking to bounce back from their defeat against Pyramids and secure their qualification.
Schedule for the 5th day
Group A
Al Hilal Omdurman – Young Africans – January 12, 7:00 p.m. GMT
Group B
Maniema Union – Mamelodi Sundowns – January 11, 1:00 p.m. GMT
FAR Rabat – Raja Casablanca – January 11, 7:00 p.m. GMT
Group C
Abidjan Stadium – Al Ahly – January 11, 4:00 p.m. GMT
Orlando Pirates – CR Belouizdad – January 12, 1:00 p.m. GMT
Group D
Sagrada Esperança – Pyramids – January 11, 4:00 p.m. GMT
Djoliba – Esperance – January 12, 4:00 p.m. GMT
