Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will need to see off some of Africa’s big hitters if they are to keep their hopes of conquering the continent alive.
Sundowns are in Group A of the Champions League, alongside 2017 tournament winners Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, Nigeria’s Lobi Stars and Ivory Coast giants ASEC Mimosas.
Once the action kicks off next weekend, Downs can look forward to some marathon trips, which could make it tough for them to maintain their challenge on the domestic front.
The Pretoria club, African champions in 2016, will be meeting Wydad Casablanca for the third successive season, and although the two will probably be favourites to advance to the quarterfinal stage, ASEC Mimosas and Lobi Stars will be anything but easy prey.
In short, it’s a very tricky group the South African club find themselves in.
Downs coach Pitso Mosimane understandably adopted a positive outlook, saying: “It’s a good draw.
SATISFIED: Pirates boss Micho
“The most important thing in the Champions League is winning at home.”
Meanwhile, Bucs are in Group B, which also includes holders Esperance (they upset Al Ahly in the 2018 final), as well as Zimbabwean outfit FC Platinum and Guinea team Horoya.
Coach Micho says: “Orlando Pirates is satisfied that we are in a group with defending champions Esperance.”
Kaizer Chiefs continue their CAF Confederation Cup adventure away to Zambia’s ZESCO United before the return leg at home a week later.