CAF Champions League
LOBI STARS, RANGERS CAN RULE AFRICA, SAYS EDDY DOMBRAYE
BY AKEEM BUSARI.
Nigeria representatives in the CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars and the flag bearers at the CAF Confederation Cup, Enugu Rangers have been tipped to go far in the two continental competitions.
Speaking from his base in Ukraine, former Bendel Insurance and Iwuanyanwu Nationale attacker, Eddy Lord Dombraye expressed his happiness over the progress made so far by both sides in the competitions.
According to the UEFA A licensed coach who is presently attached to the U17 side of FC Arsenal of Ukraine, the performances of both teams are strong indications that our local league still have talented players who can rule Africa again.
“I watched the Enugu Rangers’ matches and am glad with the determination and quality of the players. I can attribute that to Coach Gbenga Ogunbote and the managerial acumen of Davidson Owumi.
“I have twice been a member of the WAFU Cup winning sides and I know how difficult it is playing against teams from other countries,” Dombraye said.
“Lobi Stars are also in the good and experienced hands of Coach Solomon Ogbeide and Mike Idoko. These men have the capabilities to lead the team to ultimate victory in the competition,” he enthused.
Dombraye who has expressed his willingness to return to Nigeria to coach any ambitious team in the NPFL,however charged the management of the teams to ensure that the players and officials are well motivated and also that their welfare are made paramount.
“Playing on the continent is a definitely a big deal for the players and officials. Therefore, there should be concerted efforts to get it right.
“Remember, it is a long time we won any continental club title. And I believe that these teams can rule Africa if they are properly prepared,”the ex-Nigeria international added.
Egypt’s Pyramids claimed a deserved 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa. This led to a 3-2 aggregate success. They celebrated their first African Champions League title. This triumph occurred following the second leg of this year’s final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday.
The first leg in Pretoria finished 1-1. Fiston Mayele gave Pyramids the lead on 23 minutes. He profited from a Sundowns defensive error. Ahmed Samy doubled the advantage on 56 minutes. He scored with a header from a free-kick.
Sundowns pulled a goal back through Iqraam Rayners with 15 minutes remaining. One more goal would have given them victory in the tie on the away goals rule. However, Pyramids held firm despite heavy pressure from the visitors.
Pyramids are the fourth Egyptian side to lift the Champions League trophy after record 12-time winners Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily. Meanwhile, 2016 champions Sundowns head to this month’s Club World Cup in the United States on a low note.
-Reuters
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- 1. Pyramids aim to become the first new CAF Champions League winner since Sundowns (2016), the 13th in the modern era, and the 27th overall.
- 2. This is the 19th Champions League-era final featuring an Egyptian club. Previous teams (Al Ahly 10, Zamalek 1) have won 11 titles.
- 3. Including the pre-Champions League era, this is the 29th final for an Egyptian club, with 18 wins and 10 losses.
- 4. Pyramids have played only 1 of their last 9 matches at home but are unbeaten in their last 23 home games this season (W19 D4) and last 28 overall (W24 D4).
- 5. Pyramids scored in 22 of 23 home games this season; the only blank was a 0-0 draw vs Al Masry.
- 6.This season, they’ve won all 7 home matches, scoring 26 and conceding 6, with one clean sheet. In total, they’ve lost just 1 of 11 home matches in the competition.
- 7. Fiston Mayele leads with 8 goals in 12 matches (5 since group stage); Ibrahim Adel has 6 (also 5 post-group stage).
- 8. Ramadan Sobhi has 5 assists in 9 games (joint-most), plus 2 goals. He’s had major impact off the bench twice.
- 9. Askary Chibi has created 20 chances since the group stage — the most for Pyramids.
- 10. Pyramids have kept 3 clean sheets this season, all away, but remain dominant at home
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- 1. Sundowns are in their third CAF Champions League final (2001, 2016, 2024).
- 2. South African Record: First South African club to reach three finals, surpassing Orlando Pirates (2).
- 3. Sundowns hosted the first leg in all three finals. In 2001, they drew 1-1 at home and lost 2-0 away to Al Ahly.
- 4. Sundowns beat Zamalek 3-0 at home, lost 1-0 away, and won 3-1 on aggregate.
- 5. Sundowns have never scored in an away leg of a Champions League final, conceding five in total.
- 6. The current final marks the second time Sundowns led at home and failed to win (also in 2001).
- 7. A defeat would make Sundowns the first South African side to lose two finals.
- 8. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 10 matches vs Egyptian opposition (4wins and 6 draws).
- 9. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 4 visits to Egypt (2 wins and 2 draws).
- 10. A win would make Sundowns the first team since Al Ahly (2012) to win the title after failing to win the home leg.
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