Caf Confederation semi-final: TP Mazembe vs RS Berkane, Al Ahly Tripoli vs Orlando Pirates
The last four of the Caf Confederation Cup roars to life on Sunday with TP Mazembe (Congo), RS Berkane (Morocco), Ahly Tripoli (Libya), and Orlando Pirates (South Africa) tussling for a place in the final. Sibusiso Mpalala previews the two semi-finals.
TP MAZEMBE vs RS BERKANE
TP Mazembe is set for a pulsating battle when they entertain Moroccan outfit RS Berkane. The clash will take place in Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Sunday at 3pm.
The Ravens dominated Group C, securing the top spot after accumulating 11 points with three victories, draws, and a single defeat.
Interestingly, the Moroccan outfit achieved the same feat in Group D. The two sides will be facing each other for the first time in history. Franck Duma’s troop will be coming into this encounter with massive confidence after stunning the Egyptian giants Pyramids 2-0 on home soil.
In contrast, the Caf disciplinary hearing has imposed a sanction on the hosts. This is after the TP Mazembe fans stormed into the pitch after winning against Pyramids in Egypt. This means that only 5,000 fans will be allowed in the venue.
Interestingly, RSB Berkane won their quarter-final match against Al Masry on the away goal rule after the aggregate score finished 2-2. They lost by 1-0 in the first leg, but they managed to turn the tables in the second leg.
Both clubs have tasted continental cup glory before. The hosts have made history by clinching back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. They also advance to the semi-final for the fourth time. As for the Orange Boys, they won the competition in 2020, and they finished as runners-up in 2019.
Team News
RSB Berkane boss Florent Ibenge was recently involved in a car accident. According to various reports, the Congolese has recovered well and will be ready to lead his team when he travels back to his home country.
Predicted line-up
TP Mazembe (3-4-3)
Baggio Saidi (GK), Thandi Mwape, Joseph Ochaya, Kambaso Chongo, Djos Issama, Cristian Koffi, Zemanga Soze, Luzolo Sita, Beni Kinzumbi, Kitambala Bola, Bossu Nzali.
RSB Berkane (4-3-3)
Hamza Hamiani Akbi (GK), Omar Namsaoui, Issoufou Dayo, Ismael Mokadem, Hamza El Moussaoui, Bakr El Helali, Larbi Naji, Hamza Regragui, Youssef El Fahli, Charki El Bahri, Chadrack Lukombe.
AL AHLI vs TRIPOLI ORLANDO PIRATES
Al Ahli Tripoli will be looking to join Africa’s elite when they lock horns with Orlando Pirates. The semi-final first leg edition will take place at the Benin Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams have been on an impressive run in their respective groups. Earning an impressive 13 points and subsequently topped their groups to book a spot in the quarter-final round. The Libyan giants have been the most successful team in the land. However, this is the first time they have reached the competition’s semis after appearing five times. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, are well-experienced campaigners in continental football. The Sea Robbers clinched the African Cup of Champions Clubs [now Caf Champions League] title in 1995, followed by winning the Caf Super Cup in 1996. Furthermore, they finished as runners up in this competition in 2015.
Again, this is the first time the two clubs clash. Many football pundits have picked Pirates as favourites to win the tie, but the home side won’t be pushovers. They have proved that when they beat the likes of CS Sfaxien from Tunisia, Pyramids and the Zambian giants Zanaco in the group stages.
Team News
The Tripoli-based side has not reported any injuries from their camp. The Bucs will still play without their full-back Paseka Mako after sustaining a nasal fracture in the league last month.
Predicted line-up:
Al Ahli Tripoli (4-2-3-1) – Muhammed Nashnoush (GK), Mohammed Mounir, Ahmed Trbi, Wassim Bousnina, MuayidMuayid Jaddour, A. Ayed, Bader Ahmed, Mohammed Al Tarhoni, M. El Fakih, Mohamed Al Tubal, Saleh Al Taher.
Orlando Pirates (4-4-2) – Richard Ofori (GK), Bandile Shandu, Happy Jele, Ntshikelelo Nyauza, Innocent Maela, Goodman Mosele, Thabang Monare, Sphesihle Ndlovu, Deon Hotto, Kwame Peprah, Kabelo Dlamini.
By Sibusiso Mpalala