CAF Champions League
Five AFCON 2023 Stars Ready To Illuminate CAF Champions League –
The dust has barely settled on the electrifying Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, but the football fervour continues unabated as the CAF Champions League resumes action this weekend.
With the continent still buzzing from the AFCON spectacle in Cote d’Ivoire, fans eagerly anticipate seeing their favourite stars transition from international glory to club success.
Among the plethora of talent showcased at AFCON 2023, several players plying their trade on the continent stood out with their exceptional performances – despite the tournament being dominated by Europe-based players – leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
As the CAF Champions League recommences, attention turns to these standout performers, poised to carry their momentum into club competition.
Here are the top five players from the AFCON 2023 set to light up the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League:
- Ronwen Williams (GK) – Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa
The hero of South Africa’s bronze medal triumph, Ronwen Williams, proved his mettle between the sticks with breathtaking saves throughout AFCON 2023. As captain of both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team, Williams’ commanding presence and shot-stopping prowess earned him the title of the tournament’s best goalkeeper. His heroics, notably in the quarter-finals penalty shootout against Cape Verde, cemented his status as one of Africa’s premier goalkeepers.
- Teboho Mokoena (MF) – Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa
Teboho Mokoena’s midfield mastery was instrumental in South Africa’s AFCON journey, earning him a coveted spot in the tournament’s Best XI. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder showcased his versatility, contributing both defensively and offensively with flair and finesse. His highlight moment, a sublime free-kick in South Africa’s stunning victory over Morocco, underscored his importance to both club and country.
- Henock Inonga (DF) – Simba SC & DR Congo
Forming a formidable defensive partnership for DR Congo, Henock Inonga’s commanding presence at the back was instrumental in the Leopards’ fourth-place finish at AFCON 2023. Representing Simba SC at the club level, Inonga’s solid performances showcased his ability to thwart opposition attacks and marshal his defensive line with authority. His leadership and defensive nous will be crucial assets as Simba SC resumes their African Champions League campaign.
- Gilberto Deivi Miguel (FW) – Petro Atletico & Angola
Gilberto Deivi Miguel’s attacking flair shone bright for Angola at AFCON 2023, despite their quarter-final exit. The Petro Atletico forward showcased his predatory instincts and offensive prowess, providing a constant threat to opposition defenses. At just 22 years old, Miguel’s potential is limitless, and his performances at both club and international level mark him as one to watch in the African Champions League.
- Djigui Diarra (GK) – Young Africans & Mali
As the custodian of Mali’s goal, Djigui Diarra’s shot-stopping heroics were pivotal in guiding the Malian Eagles to the quarter-finals of AFCON 2023. Representing Young Africans at the club level, Diarra’s agility and reflexes were on full display throughout the tournament, earning him plaudits for his commanding presence between the posts. His performances for both club and country make him a key figure to watch as the African Champions League action resumes.
With these standout performers ready to grace the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 stage, fans can expect an exhilarating blend of skill, passion, and drama as the quest for continental glory resumes.
As the CAF AFCON 2023 legacy lives on, the stage is set for these top talents to shine on club football’s grandest stage.
CAF Champions League Match Day 5 Fixtures:
Friday, 23 February
- 16h00 GMT | Al-Hilal – Petro de Luanda
- 16h00 GMT | Medeama – Al Ahly SC
- 19h00 GMT | Asec Mimosas – Simba SC
Saturday, 24 February
- 13h00 GMT | Jwaneng Galaxy – Wydad AC
- 13h00 GMT | TP Mazembe – Pyramids FC
- 16h00 GMT | Nouadhibou – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
- 16h00 GMT | Young Africans – CR Belouizdad
- 19h00 GMT | ES Sahel – ES Tunis
-CAF
CAF Champions League
Brazil’s Ribeiro Costa Gone, Rivalry Renewed: Mamelodi Sundowns Reshape Squad Before Remo Stars Showdown
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Mamelodi’s talismanic Brazilian player, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has made a sudden departure from the club which is well known for its Brazil-styled football attire. The departure of the player has forced a tactical reset at Sundowns ahead of the CAF Champions League second round clash with Remo Stars.
On the other hand, Nigeria’s champions, Remo Stars, are bracing up for a titanic CAF Champions League second-round showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa — a fixture that not only promises fireworks on the pitch but also rekindles one of African football’s most intense rivalries.
The first leg of the tie will take place in Abeokuta, the temporary home ground of Remo Stars with the return fixture scheduled for South Africa.
Sundowns, are continental heavyweights — former African champions and perennial campaigners known for their fluid attacking football.
However, the South Africans will enter this contest amid tactical reshuffling following the shock departure of Ribeiro, their Brazilian talisman and last season’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) Footballer of the Year.
New coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged the impact of Ribeiro’s exit but insists the Tshwane-based side are evolving into a more unified team rather than relying on individual brilliance.
“No player will replace Lucas because that’s not what we are looking for,” Cardoso told reporters after Sundowns’ first league loss of the season.
“We are looking to reinforce the team and make it completely different. Ribeiro was unique, but now we must play more as a collective.”
Cardoso revealed that Sundowns have recruited Portuguese playmaker Nuno Santos from Vitória Guimarães and are closing in on another Portuguese midfielder, Miguel Reisinho, to enhance their creative options.
Despite this transition phase, the South African champions remain formidable, boasting one of the continent’s most technically balanced squads. Their clash with Nigeria’s Remo Stars — debutants in this elite stage — offers a fascinating contrast between experience and ambition.
Beyond the football itself, the fixture taps into a storied Nigeria–South Africa rivalry that has shaped African football narratives for decades — from national team duels at the Africa Cup of Nations to club-level battles in CAF competitions.
Matches between sides from both nations have often been fierce, emotionally charged, and symbolic of continental supremacy.
For Remo Stars, this encounter represents both a massive test and an opportunity to make a statement.
The Ikenne-based side, known for their youthful energy and tactical discipline, will aim to upset the odds against one of Africa’s richest and most accomplished clubs.
Their head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, is expected to lean on the attacking prowess of Adams Olamilekan and the creativity of Ebuka Anthony to breach Sundowns’ disciplined defence.
With pride, prestige, and progression on the line, all eyes will be on the two legs of this Nigeria–South Africa contest — a battle that goes beyond footballing tactics to touch the nerve of a continental rivalry steeped in passion and history.
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Rivers United have advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after defeating Les Aigles of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0 in the return leg on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Following a goalless stalemate in the first leg in Kinshasa, the Nigerian side sealed progression on a 1–0 aggregate scoreline, thanks to a first-half strike that proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
The win sends Rivers United into the second preliminary round, where they will face the winner of the tie between AC Léopards of Congo and Black Bulls of Mozambique.
With this result, Rivers United join Remo Stars in the second round of the CAF Champions League.
The next round is scheduled to hold between October 17 and 26, while the group stage kicks off in November
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Remo Stars have sealed their passage into the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after edging Comoros’ US Zilimadjou 1–0 in Abeokuta on Friday, completing an emphatic 5–0 aggregate victory.
Forward Alex Oyowah struck the decisive goal in the 74th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot to settle the return leg at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.
With a four-goal cushion from the first leg in – courtesy of strikes from Lamine Ndenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adams Goïta and Seun Olasupo – coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s side approached the second leg tie with composure and tactical discipline.
Despite Zilimadjou’s spirited attempt to salvage pride, Remo Stars’ organisation off the ball ensured the visitors rarely threatened.
The Sky Blue Stars grew in confidence as the game wore on, controlling possession and protecting their clean sheet before Oyowah’s late strike put the result beyond doubt.
The Nigerian side will now brace for a tougher test in October when they meet South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be one of the glamour fixtures of the next round.
Other return-leg fixtures across the continent are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with the full line-up for the second preliminary round to be confirmed thereafter.
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