North African Teams Gang Up Against Sundowns and Pirates Ahead of CAF Champions League Quarterfinal Draw
The battle lines for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals are being drawn, and North African teams are reportedly strategizing against South Africa’s representatives, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. This comes as the two clubs prepare for a challenging stage in a tournament historically dominated by North African heavyweights.
Pirates Return to the Quarterfinals After a Decade
For the first time since 2013, Orlando Pirates have made it to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, marking a significant achievement for the Buccaneers. Their qualification comes in a season where North African dominance in the knockout rounds has reached its peak, with five teams from the region making it to this stage.
Excluding Sundowns, all other quarterfinalists are North African teams, demonstrating their stronghold in the competition. Notably, Moroccan side FAR Rabat topped Group B, finishing ahead of Sundowns, while Egyptian giants Al Ahly, chasing a record third consecutive title, placed second to Pirates in Group C.
Sudanese outfit Al-Hilal and Algeria’s MC Alger advanced from Group A, while Group D saw Esperance of Tunisia and Egyptian club Pyramids FC book their spots.
North African Dominance and Its Implications
The 2023/24 season offered hope for a non-North African champion, with several contenders from West, Southern, and East Africa in the mix. However, history repeated itself as teams like ASEC Mimosas, Petro de Luanda, TP Mazembe, Simba, and Young Africans fell in earlier rounds.
Over the past three seasons, at least five North African clubs have consistently reached the quarterfinals, with Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Esperance claiming titles during this period. Sundowns remain the only non-North African side to have broken this dominance since their 2016 triumph.
Challenges for Sundowns and Pirates
If Sundowns and Pirates are drawn against each other in the quarterfinals, North Africa will automatically secure a place in the final. On the other hand, if the South African clubs avoid each other, they will face arduous travel schedules to North Africa, while teams from the region benefit from shorter trips.
An insider familiar with the situation expressed concerns:
“It’s tough for Sundowns and Pirates. North African teams have the advantage of proximity and familiarity when facing each other. Meanwhile, the South African teams will have to endure long, exhausting travels, giving their opponents an edge.”
The Road Ahead
Mamelodi Sundowns, former champions and perennial contenders, will rely on their depth and experience to navigate the quarterfinals. Orlando Pirates, riding high on their resurgence, aim to prove they belong among Africa’s elite.
The odds may seem stacked against the Mzansi pair, but both clubs have shown resilience and quality this season. Whether they face each other or North African powerhouses, one thing is certain: the road to the CAF Champions League final will be fiercely contested.
Will Sundowns and Pirates defy the odds, or will North Africa continue to reign supreme? Football fans across the continent eagerly await the draw and the drama that will follow.
