CAF Champions League : Remo Stars, Sundowns, Rivers Utd, Al Ahly Headline Second Round
by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Cydias Aujard
Remo Stars vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Pundits already call the matchup between Remo Stars and Mamelodi Sundowns the toughest game of the second round. But you can check out our expert’s CAF Champions League predictions on SportyTrader.
While Sundowns are the favorites, Remo Stars are not to be underestimated. The Nigerian club has won its two qualification games without conceding a goal, beating Zilidmadjou 5-0 over two legs.
In contrast, Sundowns have failed to win a single qualification game, drawing three games in a row and losing the latest game by 2-1 to the Pyramids. Even when looking at their local leagues, we see that Remo Stars are formidable enough to take all three points or at least come out undefeated.
Over their last ten games, Remo Stars are undefeated in seven games, winning five games. Admittedly, after going six games undefeated in their last nine, Sundowns should give them confidence to see this game through
Black Bulls vs Rivers United
Another potential blockbuster in the second round of the CAF Champions League is the game between Black Bulls vs Rivers United. The betting odds and public sentiment say it’s a close game on paper, and we have to agree given their quality and recent form.
The Black Bulls have only tasted defeat once in their last 13 games, winning eight games in the process. That form has stretched it to three defeats in 20 games for the Bulls. Likewise, Rivers United have only lost one of their last nine games.
Both teams have an identical record so far in this tournament, with each winning one game and drawing one. Although the Black Bulls’ performance has been more questionable, as they’ve failed to score an open play goal so far.
Aigle Noir vs Al Ahly
While other games might grab the headlines, the match between Aigle Noir and Al Ahly could be the one to break headlines when all is said and done. Al Ahly are the heavy favorites, but Noir have been just too good to expect an easy defeat.
Over a whopping 30 games, Aigle Noir has only lost a single game while winning 22 games. In truth, Al Ahly have been good, losing only one game in their last 10 competitive games. However, it’s worth pointing out that Ahly have only won five of their last 13 games.
Still, this competition of the best of the best in Africa is on a different level than what Noir faces in their local league. They’ve drawn their only two CAF Champions League games. So, Al Ahly, which has won two of its only four games while scoring in three games, is still rightfully the favorite, especially given the difference in team quality.
