Caf Confed Preview: Bucs host Tripoli as Mazembe visit RS Berkane
With the venue for the Caf Confederation Cup final already set for Nigeria, the four teams in the semis will be vying for those two spots on Sunday evening.
Orlando Pirates v Al Ahli Tripoli
The Buccaneers go into the clash at Orlando Stadium [18h00] on the back of a 2-0 victory in the first leg when they travelled to Libya last weekend. First-half goals from Innocent Maela and Goodman Mosele were enough to seal the victory.
Interestingly, the South African giants are on the cusp of going into their first final since 2015. Tripoli have never made progress past the semi-final of this competition. They now have it all to do with a two-goal deficit. The Libyans will be required to score three goals without conceding to book their spot in the final taking place in Uyo, Nigeria, next week. The winner of this contest will either face TP Mazembe or RSB Berkane.
Both sides will be colliding for the second time in history. When the sides faced last weekend, it was for the first time. The hosts have had a relatively decent run of form in the continent.
Vincent Pule is set to make the long-anticipated return for the Buccaneers after missing several games due to injury. The attacker joined training and passed the fitness test. Paseka Mako will be the long-term absentee after sustaining a horrific head injury when his side faced Baroka in the DStv Premiership match. Olisa Ndah is also doubtful after the Nigerian defender recently limped off the field against Chippa United.
RS Berkane vs TP Mazembe
RSB Berkane will be seeking redemption when they lock horns with TP Mazembe at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Sunday evening [22h00]. The Ravens edged Berkane 1-0 when they squared off in Congo.
TP Mazembe, winners of the Caf Champions League five times, have the experience of playing in Africa. However, they face a team that recently won the same competition in 2020. The North Africans also have home advantage and the support of their fans.
Interestingly, they have an impeccable home record. They have been undefeated at home in the competition since 2015.
This will be the second time the two teams will be competing, as the first encounter was their maiden clash. The history of this fixture favours Florant Ibenge’s Berkane. The Congolese coach will have a bit of insight into how his fellow countrymen play after a lengthy stint with AS Vita and the national team.
“We want to go to the final, and it is not over yet. We still desire to go to the final,” Ibenge said.
His opposite number Franck Dumas said: “Winning 1-0 is not a dangerous lead. The most important thing is that we took advantage. We prefer to go there (Morocco) with a goal advantage, although we had more chances to score more goals.”