The CAF Confederation Cup will complete its second round ties today and tomorrow , with the focus set to fall on Tunisian giants Esperance as they look to overturn a first leg deficit against Tanzania’s Azam FC in what promises to be a battle royale.
The ‘Blood and Gold’ fell to a surprise 2-1 loss in Dar Es Salaam earlier in the month and now need at least a 1-0 win at the Olympic Stadium in Rades on Tuesday to ensure they advance into the playoff rounds of the competition.
Morocco’s FUS Rabat have all but qualified, as they head to Uganda to face SC Villa on Wednesday with a 7-0 lead in the bag.
Angola’s Sagarada Esperanca are also in a strong position as they host Congo’s Vita Klub Mokanda in Dundo on Tuesday with a 2-1 lead, while Gabon’s CF Mounana will want to hold out in Egypt against ENPPI, having won 2-0 in the first match.
The remainder of the ties are fairly evenly balanced, though Medeama, Misr El Makasa, Kawkab Marrakech and Stade Gabesien will all fancy their chances of making the most of home advantage this midweek.
The eight aggregate winners will advance to the playoff round of the competition, where they will come up against the eight losers from the equivalent round of the Champions League.
CAF Confederation Cup fixtures
Second round, second leg matches (first leg score in parenthesis)
Tuesday 19 April
Stade Gabesien v Zanaco FC (1-1)
Sagrada Esperanca v Vita Club Mokanda (2-1)
Esperance v Azam FC (1-2)
Wednesday 20 April
Medeama v Al Ahly Shendi (0-0)
SC Villa v FUS Rabat (0-7)
ENPPI v CF Mounana (0-2)
Misr El Makasa v CS Constantine (0-1)
Kawkab Marrakech v MC Oran (0-0)