The penultimate round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage kicks off on Friday, with teams across all groups battling to secure quarter-final spots.
Al Hilal of Sudan is the only team assured of progression, leaving the other clubs fighting for the remaining slots.
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Group A
Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman, already through to the quarter-finals, host Young Africans on Sunday in a clash that could shape the final standings. Al Hilal leads the group with 10 points and will aim to solidify their dominance. Young Africans, buoyed by their comeback win over TP Mazembe on Matchday 4, need a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive. Meanwhile, MC Alger will look to strengthen their position when they host Mazembe on Friday. A win for the Algerians would move them closer to securing the second quarter-final slot.
Group B
Morocco’s FAR Rabat will seek to secure their place in the next round when they host Raja Casablanca in a high-stakes Moroccan derby on Saturday. FAR Rabat sits atop the group with eight points and needs just a draw to advance. Raja, coming off a narrow victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, will aim to avenge their first-round loss to their domestic rivals. Sundowns travel to Congo to face Maniema Union, with both sides desperate for points to remain in contention.
Group C
Orlando Pirates lead Group C but face a tough test at home against CR Belouizdad on Sunday. The Pirates, on eight points, can secure qualification with a win. Belouizdad, sitting two points behind, will look to build on their dramatic victory over Al Ahly. The Egyptian title holders, now third in the group, must defeat bottom-placed Stade d’Abidjan on Saturday to avoid a shock early exit.
Group D
Group D remains finely poised, with Pyramids and Esperance tied on seven points. Pyramids travel to Angola to face Sagrada Esperança on Saturday, needing a draw to book their spot in the next round. Sagrada, on five points, will look to capitalize on home advantage. Meanwhile, Esperance will visit Djoliba on Sunday, seeking to rebound from their loss to Pyramids and secure their qualification.
Matchday 5 Fixtures
Group A
- MC Alger v TP Mazembe – 10 Jan, 19:00 GMT
- Al Hilal Omdurman v Young Africans – 12 Jan, 19:00 GMT
Group B
- Maniema Union v Mamelodi Sundowns – 11 Jan, 13:00 GMT
- FAR Rabat v Raja Casablanca – 11 Jan, 19:00 GMT
Group C
- Stade d’Abidjan v Al Ahly – 11 Jan, 16:00 GMT
- Orlando Pirates v CR Belouizdad – 12 Jan, 13:00 GMT
Group D
- Sagrada Esperança v Pyramids – 11 Jan, 16:00 GMT
- Djoliba v Esperance – 12 Jan, 16:00 GMT
