1. Fiston Mayele’s comeback is a huge boost for Pyramids
Congolese forward Fiston Kalala Mayele, 29, will feature in the second-leg tie between Pyramids and Mamelodi Sundowns. The striker was not granted a visa to South Africa in the 0-0 draw between these two sides in Pretoria. Mayele will lead the Pyramids attack alongside Zizo, Sobhi and Fagrie Lakay in a must-win fixture for both teams. His comeback is a huge boost for Pyramids and Sundowns must be wary about his presence.
2. All eyes will be on Sankara Karomoko
He is considered a huge talent in Ivory Coast, the 20-year-old Karamoko Sankara has been a huge threat to opponents even though he has yet to play 90 minutes for Asec Mimosas in the CAF Champions League. Sankara Karamoko is the only player who has scored 3 goals after Matchday 3 of the CAF Champions League. He is an Ivorian international and he will have the chance to convince Ivory Coast manager Jean-Louis Gasset that he can win a slot in the AFCON team. Abidjan and Asec Mimosas fans will hope he will continue his fine form and finish Jwaneng Galaxy.
3. Faouzi Benzarti commences his 4th stint as Wydad manager in Dar es Salaam
Monastir-born Faouzi Benzarti,73, knows all it is about in African Football having managed since 1979 as he is considered to be one of the most decorated African managers of all time. This is his 4th stint at Wydad Athletic since 2018 as he is charged with qualifying the team for the knockout phase. Adil Ramzi was sacked last week because of his performance with the team in the CAF Champions League. A trip to Dar es Salaam to face Simba SC is a huge task as Simba is yet to record a single win in the group. Benzarti will be excited about a win at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium but it will be a difficult fixture.
4. Angel Gamondi meets Augustine Evans Adotey in Dar es Salaam
Their reverse meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at the Baba Yara on matchday 3 as Zouzoua’s goal cancelled out Jonathan Sowah’s penalty in the first half. In the post-match conference after the draw, both managers expressed their optimism in securing a win in the second leg in Tanzania. A win for Medeama will slim Yanga’s chances of making it to the knockout phase. Yanga cannot afford to drop a point in this fixture as defeat for Medeama will put them in a tight corner.
5. Esperance travels to Angola
Petro Atletico is ready and fully charged to face Tunisian giants Esperance Tunis in Angola. The Angolans secured 4 points in their back-to-back trips to Tunisia which shows how difficult and well-organised they are. Os Tricolores have a good team as Azulao, Jaredi, Jo Toro, Guedes and Soares are ready to secure the three points for Petro. Esperance need not be defeated because it will make qualification very difficult for the knockout phase.
