CAF
By Sello Masilo
The highly anticipated 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stages are set to feature some of the continent’s football heavyweights. On Saturday, 21 September 2024, defending champions Al Ahly SC, alongside former champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and TP Mazembe, sealed their qualification to the next round of the competition. These clubs, renowned for their dominance in African football, have once again proven their quality as they progressed with convincing performances in the second preliminary round.
Dominant Performances by Al Ahly and Sundowns
Reigning CAF Champions League champions Al Ahly continued their stellar form, building on a 3-0 first-leg lead to comfortably secure their spot in the group stages. Al Ahly’s clinical 3-0 victory over Gor Mahia in the return leg at Cairo International Stadium saw goals from Ramy Rabia and Percy Tau. The Egyptian giants, chasing a record-extending 13th title, were far too strong for their Kenyan opponents, progressing 6-0 on aggregate. Head coach Marcel Koller praised the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus ahead of the more challenging group stage fixtures .
Similarly, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, led by coach Manqoba Mngqithi, showcased their prowess with a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory over Eswatini’s Mbabane Swallows. The first leg, initially scheduled as an away fixture for Sundowns, was moved to their home ground at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium due to stadium issues in Eswatini. Lucas Ribeiro, Mosa Lebusa, and Iqraam Rayners were among the scorers, ensuring Sundowns cruised into the group stages .
Orlando Pirates and TP Mazembe Overcome Challenges
Orlando Pirates also secured their place in the group stages with a commanding 2-0 away victory over Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, avenging their exit at the hands of the same team last season. Coach José Riveiro’s tactical adjustments paid off, with goals from Nkosinathi Sibisi and Deon Hotto propelling the Sea Robbers into the next round. Pirates’ fans are hopeful for a deep run in this year’s competition, given the team’s solid performances thus far .
In another notable result, Democratic Republic of Congo’s TP Mazembe showed their class, overcoming Zambia’s Red Arrows with a 2-0 aggregate win. The five-time CAF Champions League winners remain a force to be reckoned with and are eager to reclaim the continental title after falling short in recent campaigns.
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