This weekend, March 21 and 22, also sees the first legs of the CAF Champions League quarter finals taking place. This is the nerves test, there is no room for mistakes. AfroPari previews the weekend ahead as we finally say goodbye to the under qualified and save only the most willing to fight for the cup pepsters.
What to expect from the quarter-finals?
Each pair has already played the first leg and is fast approaching the second and definitive one. On a combined aggregate score of both matches though is what counts to determine who progresses on to the trophy and who will be watching the semi-finals on TV.
Though many have watched African football matches being played between the top clubs, Pyramids, Al Ahly, Espérance de Tunis and AS FAR, the real pundits are the readers following the match analysis on AfroPari. Mamelodi Sundowns are still amongst the strongest teams who can surprise and RS Berkane have already shown that they meant business coming the first time in the CAF Champions League. I must also mention Stade Malien; they are another highlight of that phase this season.
March 21: Pyramids vs AS FAR
The first in Rabat ended in a 1-1 tie, leaving everything to be played for. The Pyramids are the keepers, but it’s obvious that that title did not offer them an advantage in this first match. The home team, which has a good defense, leaves its strong point on court, and will have to fend off the powerful AS FAR, against a strong defensive game.
March 21: Al Ahly vs Espérance de Tunis
At this point, it would be unfortunate to only speak of the present, since there is a beautiful story in the past. Indeed, as of this moment, the main combat takes place between the clubs that have contested three Champions League finals among them: 2012, 2015 and 2020. In all those finals, and Al Ahly’s name was on the trophy. This time, Espérance de Tunis will get down to the business of trying to do it again, as they arrive in Cairo 1-0 victors in the first leg. Yet the gods of football often dance to the tunes of the supporters of Al Ahly in Cairo, and they expect their own team to go and reverse the score in their fortress against Tunisians. Treze has the fans also starting to pray together. But then again, 4 away from home against that crowd in this city are that same city’s people and they are 4 of the 5 goals he has scored in the Champions League this season.
March 22: Stade Malien vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns have only little to do, as they dominated the 1st leg by 3-0, they surely are already in the semi-finals, no other way of putting it, Sundowns are huge favorites here. This will also be for the chance to reach the third CAF Champions League semi-final for the South African club. Stade Malien are arguably the biggest surprize of the knockout stage so far this season. The Malian club not only made it to the quarter finals for the first time in their history but also easily won their group stage only allowing 2 goals in 6 games. But the question is, can the team that beyond all expectations has consistently raised the bar, get it done once again?
March 22: Al Hilal vs RS Berkane
This game should be the game of the quarterfinals as neither will be happy to have to dragged it to a tie drawing 1-1 on the first leg. Al Hilal will head into the match as group winners and playing well. Another thing going for them is the presence of Abdel Raouf, who has already netted 5 goals in this Champions League campaign and is currently one of the leading goal scorers of the tournament. But in the crunch game, these things may mean very little.
RS Berkane, on the other hand, are more calm and subtle. The side reached the quarterfinals and obtained 10 points classified second in his group only behind Pyramids; the club is playing for the first time in CAF champions league this year. This is the sort of game that will appeal to African football lovers who appreciate betting on football with logic and analysis.
CAF Champions League reaches its peak
Experience will battle history as the two long rivals are set to compete in what should be some exciting football games this very weekend. While some are veterans to these stages, for others this is new territory in connecting their dreams to action. And to spice up your weekend further, AfroPari have an amazing CAF Champions League promo: for you that will make every minute of the game even more exciting. For example, a bet of a minimum of 2 USD on a CAF Champions League game could win you 1,000 or 2,000 USD.
