A battle of epic proportions is in the offing as Confederation Cup holders as well as Super Cup winners, Zamalek are drawn against Nigeria’s Enyimba in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The draw was made this Monday.  Several former champions, including USM Alger, Zamalek SC, and RS Berkane are involved in the group stage this year as they gear up for fierce competition.

The Egyptian side Zamalek were also placed in the same group as their compatriot Al Masry and Black Bulls in what promises to be an exciting Group D.

Zamalek SC are seeking to add another CAF Confederation Cup to their illustrious history, but face a tricky group.

Group B features former champions RS Berkane of Morocco, who will look to excel against Mali’s Stade Malien, CD Lundal Sul, and South African debutants Stellenbosch. 

Berkane are tipped by some as favourites to advance, but their challengers are determined to disrupt the status quo.

Group C includes former champions USM Alger from Algeria, who will battle ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf and Orapa United.

With USM Alger’s pedigree and ASEC’s ambition, this group is expected to deliver high-quality football with ASC Jaraaf and Orapa United proving to be no pushovers.

Group A is arguably the “Group of Death,” featuring Simba SC of Tanzania, CS Sfaxien from Tunisia, and Algerian powerhouses CS Constantine.

Angola’s Bravos do Maquis complete the group, but the focus will be on the heavyweight clashes among Simba, Sfaxien, and CS Constantine, all of whom have serious continental credentials.

The group stage kicks off in November, setting the stage for some of Africa’s biggest clubs to chase TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup glory.

Below are the groups

A: Simba SC, CS Sfaxien, CS Constantine, FC Bravos do Maquis

B: RS Berkane,  Stade Malien, Stellenbosch, CD Lundal Sul

C: USM Alger, ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf, Orapa United

 D: Zamalek SC, Al Masry, Enyimba, Black Bulls.

As the clock ticks down to the 5pm kick-off time of the Nigeria versus Libya Africa Cup of Nations qualifying duel in Uyo on Thursday, the Libyan team appears engulfed in internal strife.

A Libyan publication, Libya News 24 has revealed part of the headache being experienced by the Mediterranean Knights’ coach, Nasser Al-Hadhiri.

Apart from the pressure from fans who fear about Libya’s possible elimination after the back-to-back encounter with the Super Eagles following the team’s current bottom position, there is also a players’ boycott of the national team.

Coach  Al-Hadhiri  has confirmed that three players from Al-Ahly Tripoli refused a call-up to the national team. They are  Hamdou El-Houni, Sand Al-Warfali, and Mohamed Al-Munir.

Their absence has increased the pressure on the coach who is trying to manage the crisis of the boycotting players, the injured ones amid widespread public criticism.

The coach also pointed out that the team suffers from a significant lack of physical preparation, explaining: “We have not yet reached the required readiness to face a strong opponent the size of Nigeria.”

The team suffered from the absence of a number of players in the first training sessions, which led to difficulty in imposing a comprehensive tactical vision for the Nigerian match.

BY IKENNA NWOKEDI

First Vice-President of Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA), Mohammed Auwal Gotal has assured football stakeholders and followers that Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs are ready to feature in the upcoming 2024-25 NNL season scheduled to kickoff on Saturday, 30th November 2024.

The NALCOMA VP gave the assurance during a chat with sports writers at his country home Bauchi over the weekend.

The football administrator who also serves as the Chairman of Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi stated that NNL clubs are currently working hard and putting finishing touches to their preparations in anticipation of the new season come next month.

Gotal dispelled rumours that some of the clubs are planning to boycott the upcoming NNL season over issues concerning grouping and seeding of some southern based clubs to feature in the Northern Conference of the league.

The Wikki Tourists FC chieftain informed that the affected teams have a right to air their grievances over the decision made during the Annual General Meeting and Draws of the NNL held on Saturday, 28th September 2024 in Bauchi.

He reassured that NALCOMA is aware that the decision wasn’t done in bad faith by the NNL but to ensure a level playing ground, equity and fairness in anticipation of the new season.

Gotal further disclosed that discussions are ongoing between NALCOMA and the NNL Management as an amicable settlement will be found soon while assuring that the NALCOMA Executive have implicit trust in the leadership of the NNL towards finding a workable solution.

He admonished all football stakeholders to work together in the interest of taking ‘the Most Important League’ to the next level.