CAF Champions League QF Preview

For the third straight time, I will be previewing the CAF Champions League quarterfinals and walking you through the final game.

Do we remember how my last 2 predictions have gone? Oh, here, let me remind you…

Last season

2018

I would say that Esperance and I have since formed quite a relationship. I expect they will post this year’s version again on the site, hopefully.

We do have a little problem this time around, however. I do not see Esperance pulling off the three-peat. As much as it pains me to disclose, I just do not see the Tunisian giants coming away with the trophy this year. We all know how miserable the ending to last years final was, and seeing Wydad just leave the pitch like that certainly sucked.

That is no way to win hardware, but it happened, we move on, and now we will see a neutral site finale for the 2020 version of the CAF Champions League finals.

So, here we go and let me explain what I see unfolding this time as we approach the quarterfinals.

I just watched the Esperance V Zamalek CAF Super Cup finals in Qatar, and it left me concerned. Esperance looked terrible and outmatched, and they lost 3 – 1 to the Egyptian side on neutral soil on February 14. St. Valentine was not smiling down on Esperance, that’s for sure.

What to Expect in 2020

So, as we start this CAF Champions League quarterfinals, I see Zamalek as the favorites to win the trophy this year. I don’t have lines or odds on the favorites for the rest of the tournament, but in my opinion, Zamalek is the club to beat.

Esperance and Zamalek will kick off the QF’s on February 28 in Egypt, and that also concerns me when it comes to Esperance. I do not see this opening leg going well, and it might be where Esperance gets bounced out of the event. Ugh, the PAIN I FEEL saying that is real!

Wydad and Etoile Sahel will also meet, and those are two clubs I certainly see on a weekly basis. I cover Morocco Botola Pro and Tunisia Ligue 1 in Africa exclusively. Those who know me are well aware of my stature and accomplishments from tipping those leagues. There are people who ONLY come to me when it comes to matches played in Morocco and Tunisia.

I see that tie as a dead draw although I suspect Sahel will get past Wydad.

Al-Ahly and Mamelodi will also be an interesting tie, but the Egyptian side will escape to the semifinals.

Raja and Mazembe should be fun and exciting. I might just expect a good bit of scoring to come from both of their legs.

Unfortunately, I have to admit that Zamalek is going to win the 2020 CAF Champions League title this year. They are in tune and playing well at the right time of the season. They will get past my Esperance boys and roll right through to the final game on May 29.

Zamalek will be your 2020 titleholders!

About Post Author