Sunday Abe Predicts Pyramids to Retain CAF Champions League Title

Sunday Abe, NPFL legend, predicts Pyramids will win the CAF Champions League, beating Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns to the title 

Former NPFL legend Sunday Abe forecasts Pyramids will win the CAF Champions League, citing their unbeaten group stage performance.

“Another factor working for them is their experience in continental competitions...”

NPFL legend Sunday Abe tips Pyramids to win the CAF Champions League, dismissing Stade Malien's title chances.

Africa's top club competition is set to resume in March, with thrilling quarter-final matches featuring five North African giants going head-to-head.

Abe, a former Nigeria youth international and Sunshine Stars star, believes one of the established powers will lift the trophy, and he's ruling out Stade Malien.

Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants, are chasing a record 13th continental title, but first, they must get past four-time champions Esperance of Tunisia.

Sudan's Al Hilal take on Morocco's RS Berkane in a tightly contested match, with both teams eyeing a historic win.

“There has been clear improvement in this season’s CAF Champions League compared to previous editions,” Abe said.

“Teams from across Africa have raised their level to show that they truly deserve to be in the competition. But when it comes to predicting who will win the trophy, I do not expect any major surprises.

“Stade Malien have done very well especially by finishing top of their group ahead of big names like Esperance. Even so, I do not see them reaching the final let alone winning the title.

“The quarter-final clash between RS Berkane and Al Hilal will be exciting to watch. Both teams have quality but it will be hard to see either of them going all the way to become African champions.

“Also, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly are two of the biggest clubs in Africa but their journey could be complicated, especially if they meet in the semi-final, where the result could go either way.

“To be honest, I strongly believe defending champions Pyramids will retain their title. They have been outstanding and I feel the trophy is theirs to lose.”

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Mamelodi Sundowns, former champions and winners in 2016, will be confident of advancing past Stade Malien as they aim for a second African title.

Defending champions Pyramids must see off AS FAR to secure a semi-final berth.

Abe, who played a crucial role in Sunshine Stars' run to the semi-finals in 2012, believes this year's tournament will follow a predictable script and expects one of the established powerhouses to ultimately lift the trophy.

"Also, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly are two of the biggest clubs in Africa but their journey could be complicated, especially if they meet in the semi-final, where the result could go either way.

“To be honest, I strongly believe defending champions Pyramids will retain their title. They have been outstanding and I feel the trophy is theirs to lose."

"One major reason North African teams continue to dominate the CAF Champions League is the strength of their domestic leagues,” the former Nigeria U20 star continued.

“When you talk about the most competitive leagues in Africa, the Egyptian, Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian leagues are always mentioned. 

“These leagues also enjoy strong financial support, modern infrastructure like great stadia, quality training facilities as well as stable management structures.

“Another factor working for them is their experience in continental competitions. They (North Africans) regularly reach the latter stages of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, which gives them confidence and tactical maturity.

“In addition, many of their top national team players compete in their home leagues. This strengthens the clubs and makes them very difficult opponents on the continent.

“As I have always said, until other regions in Africa improve their league structures, funding, and player development systems, they may continue to trail behind the North African teams in continental competitions.”