Breaking News Featured Legends
Nelson Mandela - Sport pays tribute to former South Africa president

Mandela has been described as the architect of the 2010 World Cup by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, and the head of the football world governing body was correct. 

"You are the true architect of this FIFA World Cup; your presence and commitment made it happen. Now the first African FIFA World Cup is reality," explained Blatter while handing over the trophy to Mandela at a press conference in 2010.

More
7 Dec 2013
Club International Player Stars in Europe
stars in Europe - Swansea's Wilfried Bony inspired by Drogba's success at Chelsea

New Swansea City signing Wilfried Bony believes he can emulate Ivory Coast compatriot Didier Drogba's goal-scoring exploits in the Premier League.

More
12 Jul 2013
Stars in Europe Talents
CAMEROON - STARS IN EUROPE - ETO’O INAUGURATES HIS FOOTBALL ACADEMY IN GABON

The Anzhi star was accompanied by former team mates at Barcelona Victor Valdes and Xavi Hernandez in Gabon to launch his youth football training centre. - Eto'o football foundation -

More
29 May 2012
African Champions League

AFRICAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2016 - Group Stage - 6th matches - Champions League groups conclude

AFRICAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2016
Group stages
6th matches

Tuesday Group B:
Enyimba vs Mamelodi Sundowns -:- (1530GMT)

Wednesday Group A:
Asec Mimosas vs Al Ahly -:- (1430GMT)
Zesco Utd vs Wydad Casablanca -:- (1430GMT)

 

John Toshack has lead Morocco's Wydad Casablanca to the semi-finals of the African Champions League

Wydad Casablanca of Morocco travel to face Zesco United of Zambia on Wednesday to decide who tops Group A of the African Champions League.

Both sides have already qualified for the semi-finals the winners of Group A face Zamalek of Egypt while the runners-up will play South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.

Wydad know they need just a point to top the table and will take encouragement from their comfortable 2:0 win over Zesco in Morocco two months ago.

Coached by former Real Madrid manager and Liverpool striker John Toshack, Wydad top Group A with 10 points despite a mid-group crisis.

After wins over Asec Mimosas of the Ivory Coast and Zesco, the Moroccans only took one point from a possible six off struggling Al Ahly of Egypt.

Wydad then battled to translate dominance over Asec at home into goals until Congo Brazzaville-born Fabrice Ondama scored in the final minute to secure a 2:1 win.

That result, and Zesco holding record eight-time African champions Ahly 2:2 away, eliminated the Egyptian and Ivorian clubs.

Zesco have exceeded expectations by reaching the semi-finals although coach George Lwandamina remains worried about concentration lapses in defence.

"Our defence has a tendency to fall asleep after we score and this allows opponents back into matches," said Lwandamina, who doubles as the caretaker national coach.

What Zesco do boast are consistent goal scorers with Idris Mbombo from the DR Congo scoring five in this Champions League campaign.

Clatous Chama and Kenyan Jesse Were have notched four each and John Ching'andu three.

Failing to reach the semi-finals cost Ahly coach and former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol his job amid safety concerns.

Assistant coach Ossama Orabi has taken charge for the meaningless midweek match against 1998 champions ASEC at Stade Robert Champroux in Abidjan.

Another fixture where only pride is at stake involves already-eliminated Enyimba of Nigeria and Sundowns in Port Harcourt.

Zamalek have a bye as Entente Setif of Algeria were disqualified.

 

 

 

23 Aug 2016
(BBC Sport UK)

Related articles