CAF Champions League Showdown: Al Ahly vs the Royal Army as Mouloudia Alger Derby Sundowns
27 November 2025
Group Stage Spotlight
The CAF Champions League resumes its second round of the group stage on Friday, bringing a slate of high‑stakes battles. Headlining the card is a North African derby as Al Ahly of Egypt hosts the Royal Army Club of Morocco in a fixture that promises intensity, strategy, and perhaps a few early-season surprises.
Across the rest of the continent, fellow Arab and North African sides face demanding tests as they seek to build momentum after mixed openers. The round’s matches are watched closely by fans hungry for drama, drama, and more drama—preferably with a healthy dose of goals.
Koora’s preview highlights the main fixtures of this round, laying out what each team needs to advance and how the group standings could unfold in the weeks ahead.
In this group‑heavy week, the action sets the stage for what could be a season‑defining run for several clubs, with players and coaches acutely aware that every point could determine who advances to the knockout rounds.
Across the board, there are stories of revenge, redemption, and ambition. Tactics, form, and fitness will be tested as squads balance continental prestige with domestic duties.
In a marquee matchup for Group B, the clash between the defending league champions and a seasoned Moroccan challenger captures the spotlight, while the second pairing in the same group features a strengthened Egyptian giant against a disciplined West African rival.
Meanwhile, the third group contains a direct duel between a well‑drilled Algerian side and a South African heavyweight, a fixture many expect to be a turning point in the quest for group dominance.
Group D features a Tunisian powerhouse trying to rebound after a tough opener, with opponents bearing different philosophies and strengths that could tilt the balance on any given night.
As the rounds unfold, observers will watch for standout performances by stars and rising talents—names that could light up the continent’s premier club competition this season.
Players, Coaches, and Key Scenarios to Watch
For Al Ahly, the squad depth and attacking options will be put to the test in a fixture that demands solidity at the back and menace up front, with the hope of extending their head‑to‑head advantage over the visiting Moroccan side.
Royal Army will lean on organized defense and quick counters, aiming to steal a result against a historically potent opponent. Expect set‑piece threats and rapid transitions to shape the night’s balance of power.
In Group C, Mouloudia Alger hosts Sundowns in a matchup that pits a coach with a history at the club against a club‑manager renowned for a modern, vertical pressing style. The tactical duels could decide the narrative of the clash.
The Algerian club will rely on its midfield engine and creative wizards to unlock Sundowns’ compact lines, while Sundowns will counter with pace, discipline, and a willingness to exploit gaps behind a high line.
Other fixtures feature a Sudanese favorite, a Congolese challenge, and a few teams whose domestic campaigns have whetted their appetite for continental glory. Each result will ripple across the table and sharpen the debate about who truly owns Group A, B, and C as the tournament progresses.
Ultimately, this round is about seizing opportunities, playing with purpose, and delivering moments that remind fans why the CAF Champions League remains a stage for heartbreak, triumph, and unforgettable football memories.
