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Al-Ahly are pressing to extend their title record, while Wydad Casablanca are pushing to defend their crown.
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns will face a stern test of their credentials when they take CR Belouizdad in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League quarter-final first-leg match away at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Saturday.
The Masandawana made it to the knockout stages after finishing top of Group B of the competition ahead of record champions Al Alhy who came in second.
Sundowns came into the match on the back of a poor domestic run as they fell 2-1 to Stellenbonch in their last game on April 15, which went on the back of three successive draws in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Rhulani Mokwena, the Brazilians' coach, is aware of the challenging task ahead in Algiers, a team they face in the group stages of the 2021 African Champions League campaign.
"We have to stay focused because we'll be playing against a good side that knows that they will also be playing another quality side," Mokwena said.
"Our focus is on the match performance and trying to make sure that we are at our best and performing to a level that is expected of us.
"Fortunately, we have very experienced staff and players who know how to handle the demands of a trip like this. There will be an opportunity for us to demonstrate our appreciation to him and what he has done for our country."
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21:59 - 06.04.2023
FOOTBALL Mandela's Sundowns appoint coach with UEFA Champions League experience
Before joining the South African side, the UEFA A coaching license holder worked for Ghana national team.
Meanwhile, CR Belouizdad clinched their place in the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D with 10 points from six games.
Nader Bihri, the Belouizdad coach, will be looking to guide the nine-time Algerian league champions to the semi-finals.
"Sundowns have strong technical elements and collective strength. But we also have strong elements. We will prepare for this match to win the first-leg match to play comfortably and confidently in the return match," Bihari said before the match.
The winner on aggregate between 2016 champions Sundowns and Belouizdad will face the winner between Simba Sports Club and Wydad Casablanca in the semi-finals in May.
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14:40 - 21.04.2023
CAFCL Simba in pursuit of Champions League history against Wydad Casablanca
Kenya's Moses Ojwang Osano will serve as the referee assessor in the match pitting the two sides.
Al Ahly v Raja Casablanca
Three-time African champions Raja Casablanca tread into a potential minefield when they clash with record winners Al Ahly in Cairo on Saturday night.
Al Ahly have proven to be tricky opponents in the past four seasons, and they will be looking to earn one more star on their badge despite having struggled to get into the last eight after finishing second in Group B behind Sundowns.
But they now face a spirited Green Eagles who are gunning for their first Champions League title since 1999.
Mondher Kebaier, the Raja coach, is confident his side will beat Al Ahly and put one foot into the last four.
"We are focused on this first leg. There are still two big goals for the team to achieve this season. We have our chances and we are going to fight to achieve our objectives," said the Tunisian tactician.
Al Ahly have put on a string of fine displays in recent domestic matches, taking them five points clear at the top of the Egyptian League table.
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02:00 - 22.04.2023
FOOTBALL Dominant Esperance gain CAF Champions League advantage
The Blood and Gold put on a great display as they sent a message to the rest of the African continent
The Red Devils were handed a significant boost ahead of the clash as Egyptian authorities announced that 52,000 home fans will be allowed to enter the stadium.
Marcel Koller, the Al Ahly coach, has welcomed the government's decision and called for the supporters to be at the stadium in large numbers.
"I thank Al Ahly fans for their constant support in the recent games," said Koller.
"The absence of the fans helps me as when I shout at the players, they hear me, but despite that, I enjoy the atmosphere in their presence as football is played for the fans.
Both teams have met in nine matches in the three African clubs competitions, where Raja have claimed two wins, same for Al Ahly while five games have been drawn.
The teams last met in the 2021/2022 African Champions League quarterfinals, where the Red Devils won 3-2 on aggregate across the two legs.
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