CAF Champions League permutations ahead of final matchday
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Group A: Pyramids through to the knockout stages
| Position | Club | Matches Played | Win | Draw | Lose | GF/GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *1. | Pyramids | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11:1 | +10 | 13 |
| *2. | RS Berkane | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5:6 | -1 | 7 |
| 3. | Power Dynamos | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3:4 | -1 | 7 |
| 4. | Rivers United | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2:10 | -8 | 1 |
*qualification - quarter-finals
As expected from the team that was widely favored by the best online betting sites to top Group A of the CAF Champions League, the Egyptian side Pyramids FC have already secured qualification to the knockout stages with one game to spare.
The real battle in this group is for second place. Power Dynamos and RS Berkane have both accumulated seven points from five games heading into the final matchday.
What must happen:
- If RS Berkane wins their match against Rivers United, they qualify.
- If Power Dynamos wins against Pyramids and RS Berkane draws or loses, they qualify.
- If both sides draw their games on the final matchday, RS Berkane could qualify, taking into account if they have a superior head-to-head record.
The match between these two sides is effectively a knockout fixture.
Group B: Defending champions safe, Rabat and Young Africans fight for place
| Position | Club | Matches Played | Win | Draw | Lose | GF/GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *1. | Al Ahly | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8:3 | +5 | 9 |
| *2. | FAR Rabat | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3:2 | +1 | 8 |
| 3. | Young Africans | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2:4 | -2 | 5 |
| 4. | Kabylie | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1:5 | -4 | 3 |
*qualification - quarter-finals
The defending champions, Al Ahly, have already secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League. However, finishing at the top has yet to be guaranteed as they've maintained a one-point cushion over second-placed FAR Rabat.
FAR Rabat are in second place with eight points accumulated. This is a strong position because a win or a draw and results elsewhere guarantee them qualification to the knockout stages.
Young Africans, on the other hand, have an opportunity to finish in second place in Group B. Their opponents on the final matchday are Kabylie. Success in this matchup and a defeat for FAR Rabat against Al Ahly could keep their qualification hopes alive.
Only this time goal difference could become decisive if both teams finish level on points. Can Young Africans get the job done against Kabylie?
Group C: All four teams mathematically alive
| Position | Club | Matches Played | Win | Draw | Lose | GF/GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *1. | Al-Hilal Omdurman | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8:7 | +1 | 8 |
| *2. | MC Alger | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5:4 | +1 | 7 |
| 3. | Mamelodi Sundowns | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7:6 | +1 | 6 |
| 4. | St Eloi Lupopo | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4:7 | -3 | 5 |
*qualification - quarter-finals
On paper, this is one of the toughest groups in the CAF Champions League. Comprising Al-Hilal Omdurman, MC Alger, Mamelodi Sundowns, and St. Eloi Lupopo, these are all teams that are heading into the final matchday with a shot at securing qualification to the quarter-finals.
For Al-Hilal Omdurman, a draw will be enough for them to progress to the next round. They occupy first place in Group C with eight points accumulated.
South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, are in control of their own destiny in this group. A win and results elsewhere going their way could see them secure qualification, while defeat marks the end of their campaign. Regarding a draw, they will have to significantly rely on results elsewhere.
MC Alger are second, and a win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns could see them progress to the quarter-finals. St. Eloi Lupopo (4th) might be at the bottom of the table, but they remain mathematically alive in securing qualification. Victory is essential, but they will need to rely on favorable results elsewhere.
Group D: Two teams fight for the last qualification spot
| Position | Club | Matches Played | Win | Draw | Lose | GF/GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *1. | Stade Malien | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5:1 | +4 | 11 |
| *2. | Esperance de Tunis | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4:4 | 0 | 6 |
| 3. | Atletico Petroleos | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3:4 | -1 | 6 |
| 4. | Simba | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4:7 | -3 | 2 |
*qualification - quarter-finals
Stade Malien leads the Group D standings with a five-point cushion. That alone has already confirmed their progression to the knockout stages. Even if they lose on the final matchday, their position at the top won't be affected.
The real battle in this group is second place, which is wide open. Esperance de Tunis and Atletico Petroleos are both chasing qualification in Group D.
Both teams are level on points heading into the final matchday (6pts). They are set to lock horns this Saturday, and progression for either side is quite simple; whoever wins goes through to the quarter-finals.
However, a draw means they finish level on points - this is where head-to-head and other tie breakers decide who advances.
Simba, on the other hand, is out of the competition, having accumulated two points from five games.
Tie Break Rules
If teams finish level on points on the final matchday of the CAF Champions League, below is what CAF first considers:
- Head-to-head points
- Head-to-head goal difference
- Overall goal difference
- Goals scored
As you can see from the above list, this goes to show you that small margins could decide who advances.
