The stakes are high heading into the penultimate round of qualification matches for the quarter finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup this Sunday.
So far, only Pyramids from Group A have confirmed their place in the last eight. The remaining three groups are still finely poised with two rounds of matches left, and this weekend’s matches will give a clearer picture on which side earns a ticket to the next phase of the competition.
Among the matches that will be of keen interest in the penultimate day of the group stage is the tie between Asec Mimosas and Tanzanian giants Simba SC as well as the tie pitting Orlando Pirates of South Africa and JS Saoura of Algeria.
Asec Mimosas vs Simba SC
This top of Group D clash will be a mouth-watering duel as the two sides look to affirm a place in the last eight. After their 1-0 victory over RS Berkane in Dar es Salaam last weekend, Simba are leading the group with seven points while Asec who won 2-1 against US Gendermerie last weekend are second with six points.
This will be a vital tie to decide the fate of the group.
Simba walked out victorious when they clashed in the first leg, Wekundu wa Msimbazi picking a precious 3-1 victory at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
But the second instalment of this duel, which will be staged in Cotonou, Benin, promises to be a cracker, especially with Asec having not lost at home this campaign.
Among the players to watch on Asec’s side is the 17-year old striker Karim Konate who has been in sizzling form this season, netting nine goals in 10 matches so far.
On Simba’s end, they will continue looking towards the goal-getting skills of Pape Sakho and Sadio Kanoute as they look to earn a win that will earn them a ticket to the quarter finals.
Asec also seek a win as it will take them to nine points and a huge chance of making it to the quarters.
Meanwhile in the other Group B match, Niger’s USGN will take on RS Berkane. With four points and bottom of the pile, USGN need a win at all costs to confirm passage to the next round.
Third placed Berkane, who are also on six points can earn a ticket if they win against the Nigerien side and Simba beat Asec.
JS Saoura vs Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates and JS Saoura will clash in Algiers in a group B top of the table clash. The Bucaneers and the Algerian outfit are separated by two points, Pirates sitting top with nine while Saoura have seven.
With three wins out of four matches, Pirates beam with confidence heading into the tie and are keen to ensure they pick a third victory to affirm their place in the next round.
Pirates beat Saoura 2-0 when the two sides clashed in the first leg at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg and they are keen to complete a double.
But, Saoura come into the tie seeking to revenge for that first leg loss and further more, ensure they remain in contention for a place in the quarters.
Pirates will confirm a place in the next round with a win away to Saoura as they will move to 12 points. The Algerians will move to 10 points with a win and give themselves a chance heading into the last round of qualification.
Meanwhile in the other group match, third placed Al Ittihad of Libya, who are also on seven points, take on already eliminated Royal Leopards. A win for Al Ittihad will be key in ensuring they keep afloat in the group.
Fifth round fixtures, March 22, 2022
- 1300 GMT: Zanaco – CS Sfaxien (Heroes National Stadium, Lusaka)
- 1300 GMT: Al Masry – Coton Sport (Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria)
- 1600 GMT: Al Ittihad – Royal Leopards (Martyrs of Benina Stadium, Benina)
- 1600 GMT: AS Otoho – TP Mazembe (Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa)
- 1600 GMT: USGN – RS Berkane (Stade Général Senyi Kountche, Niamey)
- 16h0 GMT: ASEC Mimosas – Simba (Stade de l’Amitié, Cotonou)
- 1900 GMT: Al Ahli Tripoli – Pyramids (Stade Olympique de Radès, Tunis)
- 1900 GMT: JS Saoura – Orlando Pirates (Stade du 5 Juillet 1962, Algiers)
Source: CAF