Today’s top three Champions League games to follow

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Dec 22, 2018. 09:00

We pick the top three CAF CL matches being played on Saturday.

The 2018/19 CAF Champions League is in full swing this weekend and we pick the top three matches to follow on Saturday, 22 December 2018.

Lobi Stars (Nigeria) v Gor Mahia (Kenya)

Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu

Kick-off: 16h00 CAT

Referee: Tinyiko Hlungwani (South Africa)

Nigeria’s Lobi Stars have it all to do in the return leg of their tie, as they find themselves 3-1 down against Kenya’s Gor Mahia, who are looking to become the first team from their country to advance into the group stage of the Champions League. An away goal from Mathias Martins gives the Ortom Boys hopes of a turnaround, but they’ll need to much improved in defence compared to the first leg in in Nairobi last weekend.


Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) v Al Ahly Benghazi (Libya)

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Kick-off: 15h00 CAT

Referee: Joshua Bondo (Botswana)

The 2016 African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, find themselves in a precarious position ahead of hosting Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi. A goalless draw in the first leg in Cairo (due to Libya’s continuing political instability) is a good result on paper, but only the North African can now take advantage of the away goals rule. The Brazilians will need to tread carefully as they seek a place in the group stage for the fourth straight year.

ASC Diaraf (Senegal) v Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

Venue: Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor, Dakar

Kick-off: 19h00 CAT

Referee: Juste Ephrem Zio (Burkina Faso)

Wydad Casablanca, the 2017 Champions League winners, take a 2-0 lead to Dakar ahead of the return leg of their clash with ASC Diaraf. Goals from William Jebor and Mohamed Nahiri have put WAC in charge of the tie, but Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor can be an intimidating venue for away teams and any early goal for the hosts could spark panic for the Moroccan side.