Friday March 1 sees the start of the 6th and final day of the group phase of the CAF Champions League, with 2 matches on the programme: CR Bélouizdad-Medeama and Al Ahly-Young Africans.With Al Ahly (1st, 9 pts) and Young Africans (2nd, 8 pts) already qualified before this matchday, the only thing at stake is 1st place in the group. The matches will be played at the same time, 4pm GMT.
Al Ahly-Young Africans: duel for 1st place All or most of the action is already over in Group D. The 2 teams from this group who have qualified for the quarter-finals are already known. They are today's opponents, Al-Ahly and Young Africans. All that remains to be determined is which team will finish first, in order to avoid the biggest teams, namely the other group winners. Al-Ahly, leaders before the match with 9 pts, need only a draw to finish top. Opposite them, Young Africans of Tanzania need a win to go top of the group.
The match promises to be a thriller, as both teams no longer feel the pressure of qualification. The match is also an African showdown between the last winners of the last CL and the unfortunate finalists of the last Confederation Cup 2022-2023. This match is an opportunity to make their mark and show their intentions for the rest of the competition.
𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐎, 𝐄𝐆𝐘𝐏𝐓🇪🇬#TheClubAboveAll #DaimaMbeleNyumaMwiko pic.twitter.com/UbYMNruk59
— Young Africans SC English (@YoungAfricansEN) February 29, 2024
CR Bélouizdad-Medeama: finishing on a high note
The meeting between CR Bélouizdad (3rd, 5 pts) and Medeama (4th, 3 pts) is one for the books. Both teams were eliminated after Matchday 5 of the group phase. They may, however, struggle to avoid the group's dunce's cap. Algeria's CR Bélouizdad have a few advantages. They are ahead in the standings before this match and will be at home to finish on a positive note. All they need is a draw to confirm their 3rd place.
The Ghanaians of Medaeama, on their part, must win to overtake the Algerians of CR Bélouizdad in 3rd place.It's hard to say what the teams' intentions are ahead of this match. The derby for the 2 teams could give rise to squad changes, with coaches giving substitutes and youngsters a chance to play.