Cardoso under spotlight, Al Ahly eye Group C dominance

With the latest round of CAF Champions League action on the horizon, new Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will aim for a winning start at Loftus Versfeld while reigning champions Al Ahly take on CR Belouizdad on Sunday.

As Sundowns look to better their record on the African continent, former Esperance coach Cardoso was recently given the task of heading the club’s next project for the foreseeable future.

After two consecutive draws in Group, Downs now turn their attention to Raja Casablanca in a keenly anticipated clash at Loftus on Sunday. Also, Raja will remain on the lookout for their first win of the tournament, following a loss and draw in their first set of Group B assignments.

Elsewhere, reigning CAFCL kings Al Ahly will hope to maintain their position at the top of Group C when they take on CR Belouizdad at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.

Al Ahly head into their next CAFCL fixture on the back of a 0-0 stalemate against Orlando Pirates last time out, with the latter set to face Stade d’Abidjan at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Saturday evening.

As it stands, Al Ahly lead the way in Group C on four points, while the Buccaneers trail the Egyptian giants by one goal on the goal difference count.

FIXTURES

Saturday, 14 December

TP Mazembe v Young Africans

Maniema Union v AS FAR

Stade d’Abidjan v Orlando Pirates

MC Alger v Al-Hilal

ES Tunis v Pyramids

Sunday, 15 December

Mamelodi Sundowns v Raja Casablanca

Djoliba v Sagrada Esperanca

Al Ahly v CR Belouizdad