USM Alger and ASEC Mimosas face crucial second legs in CAF Confederation Cup
USM Alger and ASEC Mimosas head into decisive second-leg encounters this weekend, each needing to overturn first-leg deficits to secure a spot in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
USM Alger, trailing 1-0 after their loss to Stade Tunisien in the first leg, face an uphill battle at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran on Sunday.
The defending champions must secure a two-goal victory without conceding to avoid extra time and progress to the next round.
The Algerian side, which lifted the Confederation Cup title last season, will be counting on their home advantage and attacking prowess to turn things around after a challenging opening match in Tunis.
Elsewhere, Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas also have work to do.
They suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to ASC Kara in Lome last weekend, but a last-minute goal from Abdul Razack Cissé kept their hopes alive.
Cissé’s strike gives ASEC an all-important away goal, meaning a 1-0 win at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday will be enough to see them through.
However, Kara will be no pushovers, and the Ivorian side will need to be at their best to secure a result on home soil.
Meanwhile, defending champions Zamalek are in a comfortable position ahead of their second leg against Kenya Police at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
The White Knights secured a 1-0 victory in Nairobi last week and will look to finish the job in Cairo.
With a solid defensive display, Zamalek will move on if they prevent the Kenyans from scoring.
Moroccan side RS Berkane, the 2020 champions, are also in control of their tie after a 2-0 away win against Dadje in Benin.
They return to the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Friday, aiming to see out what should be a straightforward second leg.
Stellenbosch FC, making their debut in the competition, have a tougher challenge.
The South African club holds a 2-0 advantage from the first leg against AS Vita Club, but the return fixture in Kinshasa’s intimidating Stade des Martyrs on Sunday will test their mettle.
The Maroons will need to adapt quickly to the away conditions if they hope to extend their continental journey.
Sekhukhune United also face a difficult task as they prepare to host Lunda Sul at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Babina Noko conceded a last-minute goal in their 2-1 defeat in Luanda and must now score at least once in Polokwane to stay in the competition.
The South African side will look to draw inspiration from their fans as they fight for their place in the next round.
Other key second-leg fixtures include Simba versus Al Ahli Tripoli, CS Constantine against Nsoatreman, and Enyimba’s clash with Etoile Filante, as the race to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage intensifies.
Friday, September 20
18:30: Stade Malien v Paynesville
19:00: Zamalek v Kenya Police
21:00: RS Berkane v Dadje
Saturday, September 21
18:00: Sekhukhune United v Lunda Sul
19:00: CS Constantine v Nsoatreman
19:30: CS Sfaxien v Rukinzo
Sunday, September 22
15:00: Simba v Al Ahli Tripoli
15:00: Dynamos v Orapa United
16:00: AS Vita Club v Stellenbosch
16:30: Saint-Eloi Lupopo v Bravos do Maquis
16:30: AS Otoho v Black Bulls
17:00: Enyimba v Etoile Filante
18:00: ASEC Mimosas v ASC Kara
18:00: Al Masry v Al Hilal Benghazi
19:00: ASC Jaraaf v RC Abidjan
19:00: USM Alger v Stade Tunisien
