- CAF Champions League Matchday 1 kicks off with thrilling fixtures across the continent.
- Get the latest previews, team news, key players and match analysis.
- 16 teams will battle it out in their respective groups before a blockbuster knockout run next year.
The prestigious CAF Champions League group stage kicks off on Friday, November 21 with eight games lined up throughout the weekend.
There are 16 teams in the continental showpiece who will battle it out in their respective groups before a blockbuster knockout run next year.
From the teams set to showcase their brilliance are seven former African winners, who include current champions Pyramids, who beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate for their first title.
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Egyptian clubs continue to be exert their dominance on the continent, winning five of the last six editions of the CAF Champions League.
With these games, comes a plethora of betting options and SportPesa has a look at the top games for a perfect accumulator bet.
CAF Champions League Matchday 1
Mamelodi Sundowns vs St. Eloi Lupopo – Saturday, 4pm
The South African powerhouse will be licking their lips especially after going all the way to the final during the last edition.
This is the first competitive meeting between the two sides.
Sundowns are on top of the PSL table, while Eloi Lupopo are second in the Congolese league.
Prediction – The hosts boast a more mature squad in depth, experience and are tipped to bag all three points in this opening game.
Young Africans SC vs FAR Rabat – Saturday, 4pm
The Tanzanian league leaders are still on the hunt for continental glory despite dominating the local scene.
Both teams come into the game unbeaten so far this season, setting this up to be a mouthwatering clash.
Yanga have only conceded three goals in their last 10 matches, while Rabat have failed to score just once in a similar period.
Prediction – Both teams to score is the best bet for this game.
Al Ahly vs Kabylie – Saturday, 7pm
The record 12-time CAF champions league winners will host Algerian outfit Kabylie at the Cairo International Stadium.
Al Ahly have not lost a game in their last 12 outings and are currently second on the Egyptian log.
The visiting Kabylie have already lost twice this season.
The last game between these two sides was during the 2010 edition, where Kabylie were 2-1 winners on aggregate.
Prediction – Al Ahly are tipped as favorites to win the game.
Pyramids vs Rivers United – Saturday, 10pm
Holders Pyramids begin their title defense quest with a test against a Nigerian Rivers side that is unbeaten in their last five games.
The hosts are fourth in the Egyptian league but have played three games less than their rivals.
Pyramids come into the game on the back of consecutive defeats but are tipped to capitalize on home advantage here.
Prediction – Pyramids to win or draw.
Simba vs Petro Atletico – Sunday, 4pm
Tanzanian powerhouse Simba fell short of the quarters last season and are out to stage a mighty comeback.
Simba may have the edge but host an Angolan outfit that has won four of their last five away matches.
It has proved an uphill task to beat Simba at home, losing just once in over 20 matches and they are sure to win the first leg.
Prediction – Simba to win.