Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

The race for CAF Champions League quarter-final places is on
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The race for CAF Champions League quarter-final places is on

Leading Group A, Sudan’s Al Hilal can become one of the first teams to qualify for the African Champions League quarterfinals with a win against Mouloudia Alger this weekend. Reigning champions Al Ahly can also secure their spot by winning in Algeria on Friday. (TP Mazembe’s Photo)

  • GROUP A

Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Al Hilal has opened based in Mauritania with fellow Sudanese team Al Merreikh. Despite these challenges, Al Hilal has won their first three Group A matches and is at the top of the table.

They will host MC Alger in Nouakchott on Sunday after winning 1-0 in Algiers on December 14. This loss led to the firing of MC Alger’s French coach, Patrice Beaumelle. He has been replaced by Khaled Ben Yahia, a former Tunisian defender, who has since secured two wins and a draw in domestic matches.

In another Group A match, Tanzania’s Young Africans, coached by former TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic, will play TP Mazembe in Dar-es-Salaam on Saturday.

Both teams are looking for their first win in the group stages. Young Africans recently earned their first points by getting a stoppage-time equalizer against TP Mazembe last month. They have scored 16 goals in four league matches and sit one point behind their rivals, Simba.

  • GROUP B

Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces are well-positioned to keep their lead in the group. They share the lead with Mamelodi Sundowns, both teams having five points. Each has one win and two draws from their first five matches. However, the army club plays an easier match this Saturday against the newcomers, Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Sundowns must face Raja Casablanca on the road.

The Royal Armed Forces will play in Meknes due to renovations at their Rabat stadium. There are concerns about the pitch quality at Casablanca’s Stade Larbi Zaouli, where Raja will host Sundowns.

In their previous match in Pretoria, Sundowns, under coach Miguel Cardoso, won and have since claimed three straight victories in the Betway Premiership without conceding.

Following that loss, Raja’s coach, Sa Pinto, was fired, and interim coach Hafid Abdessadek led the team to another defeat against Renaissance Berkane, leaving them in ninth place in the Moroccan league.

  • GROUP C

Al Ahly made a strong impression with a 6-1 home win over Chabab Belouizdad and are now travelling to Algeria for a rematch on Friday night. If they win again, the Champions League holders will have 10 points. It’s also a crucial match for Belouizdad, who will likely start Khanyisa Mayo.

Orlando Pirates will play Stade Abidjan at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. They aim to remain unbeaten in the group. The Buccaneers missed a chance to win in Abidjan three weeks ago after squandering several opportunities. After taking the lead, they allowed Stade Abidjan to score an equalizer, giving them their first point in the competition.

  • GROUP D

On Sunday, Pyramids of Egypt will face last season’s runners-up, Esperance, in a top-of-the-table clash in Cairo. Esperance currently has a three-point lead. Pyramids lost their first match 2-0 in Tunis in mid-December, with Elias Mokwana scoring for Esperance.

The Tunisian side is on the road, and their top position is at risk. Both teams have been active in their domestic leagues, with Esperance winning two and drawing one, while Pyramids have three wins and one draw.

In another match, Djoliba of Mali will visit Sagrada Esperança of Angola in Luanda on Sunday. Both teams are still seeking their first points of the season.

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani wants better performance against Al Ahly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani wants better performance against Al Ahly

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani knows that strong defence and focus are crucial as his team prepares for an important match against Al Ahly in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

With their fans supporting them at the July 5 Stadium, Belouizdad aims to overcome the challenge from the group leaders and revive their hopes in the CAF Champions League.

The Algerian side set for a must-win situation this Friday. They need to win to keep their hopes of qualifying alive after a tough 6-1 loss in Cairo. The team is determined to change their luck at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers.

At the press conference on Thursday, Amrani said it is vital to prevent goals against them. He emphasized that winning is the only option to stay in the race for qualification.

“We must play well and focus on keeping a clean sheet,” Amrani said. “Our fate is in our hands, and we must win this match.”

Looking back at the last loss, he admitted that poor focus hurt the team. He encouraged his players to rise to the challenge. “The last performance was disappointing, but these things happen in football. We must believe in ourselves and be ready to show a stronger side.”

Amrani also talked about recent issues with veteran striker Islam Slimani, stating that the problem is now resolved. “As a coach, I make decisions for the team, and not everyone will agree. I spoke with Slimani, and we are back on the same page. His experience is valuable for the team.”

Striker Aymen Mahyous echoed the message of unity and determination, highlighting how important Friday’s match is for their future. “We want to improve our reputation by beating Al Ahly and getting three points,” Mahyous stated. “This game is vital for our chances of qualifying.”

Congo defender Christ Makosso signs for Luton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congo defender Christ Makosso signs for Luton Town

Luton Town has Congo centre-back Christ Makosso as their new signing from Belgian club RWD Molenbeek for an undisclosed fee – but the length of his contract with Luton has not been disclosed.

The 20-year-old, who has already won three caps for his native Congo, arrives at Kenilworth Road for an undisclosed fee from Belgian second-division outfit RWD Molenbeek.

Makosso started his European career with the French club Sochaux before moving to Molenbeek in January.

“Christ is a young and athletic defender who has impressed us, and we believe he has a bright future,” said Luton manager Rob Edwards. “We will need to be patient as he develops, but he is an exciting addition to our team.”

At the end of 2024, Luton finished 19th in the Championship, just four points above the relegation zone.

“I’m really excited to join Luton. I’ve heard many positive stories about the club and its amazing fans,” Makosso said.

Trevoh Chalobah scores as Crystal Palace beat Southampton in bottom table clash
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trevoh Chalobah scores as Crystal Palace beat Southampton in bottom table clash

Trevoh Chalobah and Eberechi Eze helped Crystal Palace beat Southampton after returning from a goal down. This win puts Palace six points clear of the relegation zone.

Southampton scored first in the 14th minute. Kyle Walker-Peters crossed the ball, and Adam Armstrong assisted Tyler Dibling, who tapped it in from close range.

Crystal Palace equalized 16 minutes later. Trevoh Chalobah headed in a corner taken by Will Hughes for his third Palace goal.

Southampton players thought Jean-Philippe Mateta had fouled goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during the play, but the goal was approved by VAR.

Eze then scored a great goal early in the second half, securing the win for Palace.

Munoz missed a big chance in the first half when he failed to score from inside the six-yard box after getting a cross from Tyrick Mitchell. Ismaila Sarr also had a good chance, but his shot was saved by Ramsdale. Jefferson Lerma’s acrobatic volley from the corner was also saved.

After tying the game, Palace played better. Their dominance paid off when Munoz’s cross was deflected to Eze, who scored by shooting into the bottom corner.

This win moved Crystal Palace to 15th place, six points ahead of Leicester City in 18th. They have lost only one of their last eight Premier League matches.

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Mustapa Bundu left out of Argyle's matchday squad due to hamstring
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Injury forced Mustapha Bundu out of Argyle’s matchday squad

Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu will not be part of Plymouth Argyle’s matchday squad for their upcoming English Championship game against Oxford United on Sunday. (Photo Mustapha Bundu at the Building Society Arena on Thursday, December 26, 2024 – Photo: Jake Manuell/PPAUK)

On Thursday, Bundu left the pitch with a suspected hamstring injury during Plymouth Argyle’s significant 4-0 defeat against Coventry City.

Plymouth Argyle has informed the press that they are currently assessing the severity of the hamstring injury he sustained during a Boxing Day loss to Coventry City.

Bundu, who contributed a goal and an assist in Argyle’s 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough at Home Park last Saturday, has now joined the growing list of injured players.