Giant African teams step up as TotalEnergies CAF Champions ...

13 Sep 2024

CAFOnline.com

Published: Friday, 13 September 2024

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League action makes an exciting return on Friday with the second and final round of group stage qualifiers taking place across the continent.

The second round of qualifiers, which will be played over a home and away basis will see big name African clubs stepping into contention for a place in the group stages.

Reigning champions, Al Ahly as well as former champions, ES Tunis, Raja AC, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, TP Mazembe as well as other African football giants will all be in action this weekend with some mouth-watering ties expected.

Action officially kicks off in Nigeria on Friday afternoon when Enugu Rangers takes on Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca at 14h00 GMT.

A north African battle is on the cards when US Monastir welcomes Algeria’s MC Alger to Tunisia in a late Friday evening kick off.

Five-time African champions, TP Mazembe travel down to Zambia to face Red Arrows in Lusaka on Saturday, while Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy will be looking at repeating last season’s upset over Orlando Pirates when they host the South Africans in Gaborone.

Later on Saturday, Pyramids FC who put up an impressive performance last season will be looking to build from that when they travel to Rwanda to face APR FC.

Sunday sees the defending champions, Al Ahly officially getting their title defense underway when they take on Gor Mahia away from home, while last season’s finalists, ES Tunis are also away from home, as they face off against Somalia’s Dekedaha FC.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2nd Preliminary Round

Friday, 13 September

14h00 GMT | Enugu Rangers vs Sagrada Esperanca

17h00 GMT | Monastir vs MC Alger

Saturday, 14 September

12h00 GMT | CBE SA vs Young Africans

13h00 GMT | Red Arrows vs TP Mazembe

13h00 GMT | Al-Merrikh vs AS FAR

14h00 GMT | Jwaneng Galaxy FC vs Orlando Pirates FC

14h00 GMT | Maniema Union vs Petro de Luanda

16h00 GMT | Djoliba vs ASKO

16h00 GMT | Douanes vs CR Belouizdad