CAF Champions League: El Merreikh and ES Sétif Clash in Crucial Group Stage Battle
This Sunday in Khartoum, El Merreikh hosts ES Sétif in a decisive CAF Champions League Group B fixture, as both teams battle for a place in the semi-finals. With USM Alger already qualified, second place in the group is now up for grabs—turning this clash into a potential knockout-style showdown.
Both teams are currently level on points and come into the tie following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Stade du 8 Mai 1945 in Algeria. Now, under the intense heat and passionate crowd in Sudan, the stakes are even higher. A loss for either side would be a major blow, and in the case of ES Sétif, it would eliminate the defending champions from the competition.
Khedairia: “Only Victory Matters”
Speaking to Le Buteur, ES Sétif goalkeeper Sofiane Khedairia emphasized the importance of the game:
“It’s a six-point match and only victory matters to us. We are more determined than ever to win by beating El Merreikh. We know what awaits us — a tough team that also wants to qualify — but we have a name to defend and we’ll work hard to win.”
Khedairia acknowledged the challenge posed by the Sudanese giants but remained confident in his team’s ability to perform under pressure.
“We’re called upon to bring out the big guns. A defeat would officially eliminate us. We must stay focused from start to finish, avoid conceding early, and strike when the opportunity arises.”
The Black Eagles’ last line of defense recalled strong performances in past editions against TP Mazembe and Vita Club, urging his teammates to draw inspiration from those encounters.
El Merreikh Count on Home Advantage
Backed by a fervent crowd at the Al-Merrikh Stadium, the Sudanese side will look to make the most of home advantage. For them, this match is just as critical, as a win would take them a huge step closer to the last four of Africa’s most prestigious club competition.
With everything to play for, Sunday’s clash promises high drama, intensity, and the spirit of continental football at its best.
