FAN VIOLENCE Espérance de Tunis supporters clash with Mamelodi Sundowns supporters during the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final at the Loftus Versfeld stadium. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent NewspaperS
As the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals heat up, South African clubs Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC are aiming to secure their spots in the semi-finals.
With just one more leg to play, the margin for error is razor-thin. To ensure progression to the next stage, these teams must focus on five key areas to cross the finish line and clinch victory.
The chaotic scenes from the first leg of Sundowns’ clash with Esperance are still fresh in the minds of all who witnessed them, but it will be Sundowns who will have the most demanding mental check.
The clash of fans in Pretoria might set tempers in Tunisia, which might not only frighten Sundowns but place them in immediate danger as they look to seal a place in the semi-finals.
Sundowns already know they’re better than Esperance over 90 minutes, having dominated them in the first leg.
There, the second meeting in a week will place pressure on coach Miguel Cardoso to be able to stay sober-minded and have the necessary tactical composure to guide his side over the line on enemy territory.
The CAF Champions League has offered up different versions of Orlando Pirates this season as they navigate their different opponents expertly and remain unbeaten in the process.
The ego of coach Jose Riveiro will be tested against MC Algiers at Orlando, having set up conservatively in the away fixture to steal a win in Algeria.
It will be interesting to see whether the Spanish coach demands his possession-based style with many openings or looks to seal the win with a similar defensive performance from the first leg.
Having held Zamalek to a goalless draw in Cape Town, Stellenbosch have the task of recovering from a disastrous last trip to North Africa.
Coach Steve Barker’s men were flattened five-nil by cup favourites RS Berkane in the group stages, making them understand the level required to duel amongst the toughest on the continent in their own backyard.
Whilst manoeuvring in their debut campaign in continental football has been nothing short of difficulties and unpredictable, however, an opportunity to make history is currently at their doorstep.
The Cape Winelands-based side, just nine years into their existence, can book their first ever spot in the semi-finals of a continental competition, the kinds of milestones all players and coaches pride themselves on.