The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League reaches Matchday 3 this weekend, with tough encounters across all groups as teams battle for dominance or seek their first wins in the group stage. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s ahead:
Al Hilal Omdurman heads to Algiers to face MC Alger, aiming to maintain their flawless start to the group stage. The Sudanese side, with six points, will face a resilient Algerian team, currently second with four points, backed by their home crowd at the Stade du 5 Juillet.
In Lubumbashi, TP Mazembe and Young Africans square off, both desperate to revive their campaigns. Mazembe, with one point, and Yanga, yet to score or earn a point, need to ignite their offense to stay competitive.
Fixtures:
- TP Mazembe vs. Young Africans – Dec 14, 13:00 GMT
- MC Alger vs. Al Hilal Omdurman – Dec 14, 19:00 GMT
Group leaders, FAR Rabat (4 points) travel to Kinshasa to face Maniema Union, who have two points after consecutive draws. FAR Rabat will look to Mohamed Hrimat to secure a vital away victory, while Maniema, unbeaten in their last six matches, will rely on Joseph Bakasu to challenge the Moroccans.
In Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns host Raja Casablanca in a clash of giants. Sundowns are searching for their first group stage win, while Raja, unbeaten away, hope Younes Najjari can inspire them to victory.
Fixtures:
- Maniema Union vs. FAR Rabat – Dec 14, 13:00 GMT
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Raja Casablanca – Dec 15, 13:00 GMT
Orlando Pirates travel to Abidjan to face Stade d’Abidjan, aiming to extend their unbeaten run. With four points, the Pirates share the top spot with Al Ahly and have shown consistent form on the road, driven by Mohau Nkota’s scoring prowess. Stade d’Abidjan, bottom of the group and winless, will look to the home advantage to secure their first points.
Al Ahly’s clash with Belouizdad, pivotal for group leadership, is scheduled for next week due to Ahly’s participation in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Fixtures:
- Stade d’Abidjan vs. Orlando Pirates – Dec 14, 16:00 GMT
- Al Ahly vs. Belouizdad – Dec 22, 16:00 GMT
ES Tunis and Pyramids face off in Radès, with both teams tied at four points and unbeaten in the group. Esperance boasts an impressive defensive record, yet to concede in the competition, while Pyramids, led by Ibrahim Adel, seek to disrupt the Tunisian side’s formidable home streak.
In Bamako, Djoliba hosts Sagrada Esperança, with both teams searching for their first wins. Djoliba’s defense has been solid, but their attack needs improvement, while Sagrada will depend on Cachí to turn the tide.
Fixtures:
- ES Tunis vs. Pyramids – Dec 14, 19:00 GMT
- Djoliba vs. Sagrada Esperança – Dec 15, 16:00 GMT
Complete Matchday 3 Schedule (GMT):
- Dec 14, 13:00: TP Mazembe vs. Young Africans
- Dec 14, 13:00: Maniema Union vs. FAR Rabat
- Dec 14, 16:00: Stade d’Abidjan vs. Orlando Pirates
- Dec 14, 19:00: MC Alger vs. Al Hilal Omdurman
- Dec 14, 19:00: ES Tunis vs. Pyramids
- Dec 15, 13:00: Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Raja Casablanca
- Dec 15, 16:00: Djoliba vs. Sagrada Esperança
- Dec 22, 16:00: Al Ahly vs. Belouizdad
