CAF Champions League
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: GREAT COMEBACKS FOR ENYIMBA TO EMULATE
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
This Wednesday in Aba, Nigeria’s Enyimba have a Herculean task as they attempt to cross into the group stage of the CAF Champions’ League. Their 3-0 to Sudan’s Al Merrikh in the first leg match nearly two weeks ago has imposed a daunting task for the Nigerian side in the quest of getting to the group stage.
Failure will mean their dropping into the second tier competition, the CAF Confederation Cup. The 3-0 loss is one of the worst results that Enyimba ever recorded in the continent.
Last year, rival Sudanese club, Al Hilal also eliminated Enyimba at the same stage of the Champions League. Will affliction arise a second time for Enyimba?
Perhaps a dig into history could help Enyimba believe they can surmount the huge obstacle that Al Merrikh are posing. Sports Village Square presents some come-back moments Enyimba can draw inspiration from.
- 2020: Nigeria 4-4 Sierra Leone
This Africa Cup of Nation qualifying match played some weeks ago is enough to inspire Enyimba that it is not over until it is over. Even before the kick-off the overwhelming favourite to win were the Super Eagles on account of historical antecedents and comparative strength.
Things appear to be according to prediction as within 30 minutes, the Super Eagles were four goals up. But a determined Leone Stars side overcame the deficit and drew 4-4 to record one of the most amazing comeback stories in Africa.
- 1979: Mufulira Wanderers (Zambia) 4-0 Simba (Tanzania); Simba 5-0 Mufulira
This is easily the biggest comeback in Africa’s inter club competition. Dating back to 41 years, the assumption for the Tanzanian side was that the game was over.
But within two weeks, they stepped up their preparations and not only reversed the result; they assailed it by a goal, winning 5-0 after a 4-0 loss away. Considerably, Enyimba have a lesser task to that of Simba.
- 1975: Mehalla (Egypt) 3-1 Enugu Rangers; Rangers 3-0 Mehalla
When the now decimated Ghazil El-Mehalla beat Enugu Rangers 3-1 in the first leg semi final match of the then Africa Cup of Champions Club, it was enough to write the Nigerian team off.
It was their biggest loss in the continent. But in the return leg match on 24 October 1975, Rangers did what was considered a impossible task, beating the Egyptians 3-0 in Enugu. If Rangers can, then Enyimba can also do it.
- 1976: Zamalek 2-0 IICC; IICC 2-0 (5-3pso) Zamalek
All hope seemed loss when the then medium power Nigerian club fell 0-2 to Egyptian giants, Zamalek in the first leg of the semi finals of the 1976 Cup Winners Cup.
IICC despite being unable to score a goal in the preceding 75 minutes, the two-goal deficit was cancelled in the last 15 minutes and IICC went ahead via 5-3 penalty shootout.
- 1984: IICC 4-0 Tonerre (Cameroon); Tonerre 4-0 (4-5pso) IICC
Sports Village Square recalls that this episode presented a even more daunting episode for the Cameroonian side than Enyimba are currently experiencing. Both IICC and Tonerre Kalara met in the 1976 African Winners Cup final in which the Roger Milla-inspired Cameroonians were the defending champions.
In the second round of the CAF Champions Cup, IICC won 4-0 in Ibadan. The Cameroonians reversed the result two weeks later but fell via penalty shootout.
- 1984/1985: Cameroon 3-0 Nigeria; Nigeria 5-1 Cameroon
Qualification for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles for the 1985 World Youth Championship looked an impossible task after the team lost 3-0 to Cameroon in Yaounde on 19 December 1984.
But in the return leg played in Lagos on 13 January 1985, the Flying Eagles went on goal rampage scoring three goals in the first half. Cameroon however pulled a goal back through Oman Biyik.
The Flying Eagles scored two more goals in the second half to move on 5-4 on aggregate.
- 1985: Australia 2-3 Nigeria
The Nigerian u-21 side, Flying Eagles were condemned to win against Australia in their last Group A match of the 1985 World Youth Championship in Soviet Union if they were to advance to the knockout stage for the first time ever.
Before the match they lost 2-1 to hosts, Soviet Union but had beaten Canada 2-0. They needed a win to advance but suddenly found themselves 2-0 down against Australia at half time.
With hopes looking fade, Niyi Adeleye began an unlikely comeback after pulling a goal back in the 63rd minute. Monday Odiaka restored parity in the 78th minute before Mark Anunobi put in the winner a minute later.
- 1989: Soviet Union 4-4 (3-5pso) Nigeria
One of the most remarkable comeback episodes in global football was when the Nigerian U-20 team faced their Soviet counterparts in the quarterfinals of the 1989 World Youth Championships.
At half time, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria were two goals down. At the start of the second half, it became 3-0 after just 54 seconds. Six minutes later, the Soviet put in the fourth goal.
Then began what has turned the greatest comeback story of the U-20 World Cup. Within the next 30 minutes, Nigeria cancelled the 4-0 deficit and went ahead to win 5-3 on penalties. Enyimba too can win 3-0 on Wednesday and get through by penalties.
- 1996: Brazil 3-4 Nigeria
Who can easily forget the great comeback of the Nigerian Olympic team against a star-studded Brazilian side in the semi finals of the football event of the Atlanta ’96 Olympics?
After being 3-1 down at half time and even losing a penalty kick in the second half, the Nigerian side fought to the last minute and levelled 3-3 before scoring a golden goal in the extra time to win 4-3. This is a lesson for Enyimba.
- 1999: Kaloum Stars (Guinea) 3-0 Shooting Stars; Shooting Stars 6-0 Kaloum Stars
Shooting Stars lost 3-0 in their first leg first round match against Kaloum Stars of Guinea. The Nigerian side was able to sum up muscle and won the return leg 6-0 in Ibadan.
- 2009: Nigeria 3-3 Germany
What a rude shock it turned when Germany score three goals to take a 3-0 lead against Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in Abuja during the 2009 U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
In the second half, they began their comeback episode from a penalty kick scored by Stanley Okoro. Kenneth Omeuro and Edafe Egbedi completed the comeback.
- 2014: Morocco 3-4 Nigeria
The great comeback of the home-based Super Eagles at the 2014 CHAN in South Africa should be inspirational for Enyimba.
At half time, the Stephen Keshi coached side were 3-0 down at the match played in South Africa. The team began a great comeback in the second half when four minutes into the half, midfielder Ugonna Uzochukwu pulled a goal back.
In the 56th minute, Rabiu Ali put Nigeria on redemption course when he reduced the tally to 3-2. Ejike Uzoenyi completed the comeback on the dot of 90 minute. The winner came in the 11th minute of the extra time when substitute player scored the fourth goal.
By Kunle Solaja.
Rangers and Rivers United have officially secured Nigeria’s two slots in next season’s CAF Champions League after opening an unassailable gap at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with one round of matches remaining.
Rangers lead the standings on 65 points, one ahead of Rivers United on 64 points, ensuring both clubs will represent Nigeria in Africa’s premier club competition regardless of the outcome of the final day fixtures.
Enugu Rangers: File Photo
The battle for the NPFL title, however, remains delicately poised and will be decided on the final day of the season on May 24.
Rangers, who are chasing a ninth league title, face a tricky away trip to fourth-placed Ikorodu City in Lagos. The Flying Antelopes need victory to guarantee the championship, while any slip could hand Rivers United the opportunity to snatch the title.
Rivers United, meanwhile, will host eighth-placed Katsina United in Port Harcourt and will be hoping Rangers stumble against Ikorodu City.
Rivers United set for another continental outing
While the Champions League representatives have been confirmed, the race for Nigeria’s CAF Confederation Cup ticket is set for a dramatic finish between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Ikorodu City.
Shooting Stars currently occupy third place with 60 points, two ahead of Ikorodu City on 58 points.
The Ibadan club hold the advantage going into the final round and only needs to avoid defeat away to Niger Tornadoes to secure continental football ticket.
With the championship and continental ticket races still unresolved, the final day of the NPFL season promises high drama across the country
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Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat have powered their way into the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final, delivering a campaign that reflects discipline, resilience and the enduring strength of Moroccan club football on the continental stage.
Set to face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in a two-legged final, FAR Rabat’s journey has been anything but straightforward. From the early qualifying rounds to high-stakes knockout ties, the Moroccan side has built its success on defensive organisation and composure in decisive moments.
Their campaign began with quiet authority against Real de Banjul of The Gambia, securing back-to-back victories home and away. A more demanding test followed against Guinea’s Horoya, but FAR’s commanding 3-0 home performance in the second leg underlined their ability to rise under pressure.
In the group stage, FAR were drawn into a demanding pool featuring African heavyweights Al Ahly SC, Tanzania’s Young Africans and Algeria’s JS Kabylie. While goals were scarce, the Moroccan side showed remarkable defensive discipline, conceding just twice in six matches. Their ability to grind out results—especially a goalless draw in Cairo against Al Ahly—proved crucial in securing a place in the knockout rounds.
But it was in the latter stages that FAR Rabat truly announced themselves.
Facing defending champions Pyramids FC in the quarter-finals, the Moroccan side produced one of the standout results of the tournament. After a 1-1 draw at home, they stunned their hosts in Egypt with a 2-1 away victory—eliminating the title holders and sending a strong message across the continent.
The semi-final then delivered a fiercely contested Moroccan derby against RS Berkane. FAR seized control with a 2-0 first-leg win, built on tactical discipline and clinical finishing. Though Berkane edged the return leg 1-0, FAR’s advantage held, confirming their place in the final and extending an impressive run marked by one of the best defensive records in the competition.
Across 14 matches, FAR Rabat have relied less on attacking flair and more on structure, patience and execution—qualities that have become synonymous with Morocco’s growing influence in African football.
Their progression to the final is not just a club achievement; it reinforces Morocco’s rising stature on the continent, following recent successes at both club and national levels. Now, standing one step from continental glory, FAR Rabat carry the weight of national expectation into a final against a seasoned Sundowns side.
If their campaign so far is any indication, Morocco’s representatives will not be overawed. They have already conquered champions, survived hostile away grounds and navigated intense domestic rivalries.
The final hurdle now awaits—but FAR Rabat have shown they are built for moments like this.
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CAF Champions League
Portuguese Brains, African Glory: Cardoso and Santos Set for Tactical Duel in CAF Final
When South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR of Morocco in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final next week in Pretoria, the spotlight will extend beyond the pitch to the technical areas, where two Portuguese tacticians will engage in a defining duel.
According to Cafonline, the clash between Miguel Cardoso and Alexandre Santos highlights the growing imprint of Portuguese coaching philosophy across African football—an influence that continues to shape the continent’s elite competitions.
Cardoso’s Familiar Territory
For Sundowns’ Miguel Cardoso, this stage is anything but new. The 52-year-old is heading into his third consecutive CAF Champions League final, having previously fallen short with Espérance Sportive de Tunis and now returning with Sundowns.
Since his appointment in December 2024, Cardoso has refined the Pretoria side into a high-intensity, possession-driven outfit built around a structured 4-3-3 system. His approach blends the club’s traditional “shoe-shine and piano” attacking philosophy with a more disciplined tactical framework.
That balance was evident in their semi-final victory, where Sundowns eliminated Esperance with a composed 2-0 aggregate win, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, particularly through Colombian forward Brayan León.
Across the dugout stands Alexandre Santos, whose rise has been quieter but no less significant. Appointed by FAR Rabat in February 2025, the 49-year-old has quickly transformed the Moroccan side into a disciplined, resilient unit.
Unlike Cardoso’s expansive style, Santos favours tactical flexibility, alternating between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations depending on the opponent.
Cafoline notes that FAR’s path to the final has been built on grit rather than glamour. Their semi-final triumph over RS Berkane—a 2-1 aggregate victory—highlighted their defensive organisation, composure, and ability to manage pressure in hostile environments.
The meeting of Cardoso and Santos is part of a wider trend. Portuguese coaches have become central figures in African football, exporting tactical discipline, structure, and modern training methods across the continent.
Icons like Manuel José—a four-time Champions League winner with Al Ahly—helped set the benchmark. Others, including Carlos Queiroz, have left their mark at the national level, while figures such as José Morais and Fernando Cabrita contributed to club success across Africa.
At the philosophical core lies the broader influence of José Mourinho, whose emphasis on structure, adaptability, and game intelligence has shaped a generation of Portuguese tacticians now thriving on the continent.
Contrasting Styles, Shared Roots
What makes this final especially compelling is the contrast in approach.
Cardoso’s Sundowns are expected to dominate possession, dictate tempo, and stretch play through width and movement. Santos’ FAR Rabat, by contrast, will likely remain compact, absorb pressure, and strike through counterattacks or set-pieces.
The first leg in Pretoria could prove pivotal. Sundowns will aim to build a decisive advantage at home, while FAR will prioritise control and containment ahead of the return leg in Rabat.
On paper, Cardoso’s experience in consecutive finals gives him a marginal edge. Yet Santos has already demonstrated his ability to navigate tight knockout ties with precision and discipline.
As Cafonline observes, this “battle of the Portuguese coaches” may ultimately hinge less on ideology and more on execution.
Both men share similar footballing DNA—but interpret it differently. One seeks dominance, the other control. One expands the game, the other compresses it.
When the final whistle blows across the two legs, only one philosophy—and one coach—will claim continental immortality.
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