The CAF competition intensifies this weekend as the second round unfolds, with teams across the continent fighting for supremacy. As the first-leg matches take place, each club will be looking to secure a positive result to ease the pressure in the return leg.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on Kenya, where Kenya Police FC faces one of Africa’s most prestigious clubs, Zamalek FC from Egypt. Kenya Police, in their debut continental campaign, will be counting on their home crowd to inspire a surprise victory. However, Zamalek, with their vast experience and decorated history in African football, will be aiming to put the tie to bed early, knowing that a strong away performance could all but seal their advancement.
Elsewhere, Mozambique’s Black Bulls will meet AS Otoho of Congo in what promises to be an intriguing encounter. The Black Bulls, with their fast-paced attack, will look to strike early, while AS Otoho will rely on their physical style of play to frustrate the home team and snatch a crucial away result.
In Angola, CD Lunda will clash with Sekhukhune United from South Africa. Lunda, strong at home, will want to make the most of their local advantage, while Sekhukhune, entering the competition as underdogs, will aim to cause an upset with a solid away performance, knowing that a clean sheet could set them up well for the return leg.
In Benin, Dadje FC will face a daunting challenge as they host Morocco’s RS Berkane, a recent CAF Confederation Cup winner. Dadje will need to be at their best to keep Berkane at bay, but the Moroccan side, packed with talent and experience, will look to dictate the tempo of the game and potentially leave with a decisive away win.
Meanwhile, in Liberia, Paynesville FC will take on Stade Malien from Mali. Paynesville, representing their country with pride, will want to impress on home soil, but Stade Malien, a perennial contender in African football, will pose a stern test with their tactical discipline and continental pedigree.
The day wraps up in Tunisia, where Stade Tunisien will welcome USM Alger from Algeria. USM Alger, fresh off a successful campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup, will be eager to continue their dominance. Stade Tunisien, however, will be up for the challenge, knowing that a strong home performance could set them up for a famous result.
As these matches unfold, the first legs are crucial for each team’s hopes of advancing to the next stage. With the stakes high, all the clubs are pushing for results that will make the return legs more manageable. The drama is just beginning, and fans across Africa are in for an exciting weekend of football.