Who will progress to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final?
The battle for the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title intensifies this weekend with the return leg of the semi-final clashes to decide the two sides to play in the final of this season's competition.
Al Ahly will be at home against Esperance, carrying with them a massive 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Rades last weekend, while in Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns will host defending champions Wydad Athletic Club, with the tie evenly poised at 0-0 from last weekend’s first meeting in Casablanca.
Al Ahly vs Esperance
Ahly already have one foot in the final with the 3-0 first leg advantage, especially noting the return fixture is being played in their Cairo backyard.
Coach Marcel Koller and his side only need to avoid defeat at home, and at worse, even a 2-0 loss can still take them through. But as they yearn for a record extending 11th African crown, the Egyptian Red Devils are taking nothing to chance.
Despite a healthy and comfortable lead from last weekend’s first leg, Koller said he will not rest on his laurels.
“This is the Champions League and nothing can be taken for granted. Nothing is done yet. We have to take the game as though it is 0-0,” the tactician said.
Esperance are coming into the match needing a win of at least four goals to turn the tie around. Their head coach Nabil Maaloul resigned just after the defeat in the first leg.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wydad Athletic
Sundowns held on for a barren draw in Casablanca last weekend, despite playing the entire second half with 10 men and the last two minutes with nine.
They will be back at their Pretoria base in full compliments, and looking to make their first final since winning the title, back in 2016.
Head coach Rhulani Mokwena says his side is fully focused and motivated, ready to battle for a win and progress to the final.
“It’s only half time and we have the second half to play against the defending champions. The team is ready and we will do the best we can to win the match,” Mokwena said, as he previewed Saturday’s match.
His sentiments are echoed by midfielder Aubrey Modiba.
“We will go out to win the game. A draw is not a good result and we will give our all to win the game,” said Modiba.
Sundowns come into the match just after concluding their South African PSL with a draw against Maritzburg United.
Holders Wydad will have their work cut out playing away from home, but they will progress with any kind of a scoring draw. A barren stalemate after 90 minutes will push the match into extra time.
Wydad’s new head coach Sven Vandenbroeck said that they will give the tie everything in their strength to try win.
“It will be difficult especially playing away from home, but we are ready and focused to try get a good result,” the Belgian tactician said.
The tie will be played at 15h00 local time (13h00 GMT).