South Africa’s AmaZulu have an excellent opportunity to snatch points on the road in Algeria on Saturday in CAF Champions League Group B play when they face an ES Sétif side that has plenty of issues on and off the pitch. Usuthu sit in second place on six points while a win on Saturday is essential for ESS, who sit three points behind their opponents.
Sétif dismissed Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki at the end of February after their 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu in Durban and temporary coach Reda Ben Driss will have a challenge in guiding his team past an exceptionally stubborn defense at the Stade 5 du Juillet in Algiers. Forced to play there due to their home stadium not meeting CAF requirements, Ben Driss expressed his optimism that supporters will be allowed in to boost the Black Eagles to a crucial victory. Ahmed Kendouci will lead the team from the center of midfield while the team deals with multiple absences.
AmaZulu have developed a split personality between CAFCL and league play with a strong and experienced defensive line holding firm in continental play as their form in the DStv Premiership continues to dive at an alarming rate. According to South African daily IOL, goalkeeper Veli Mothwa has stood out as particularly poor lately but the club’s Player of the Season from last year will likely keep his place despite struggling. Zambian attacker Augustine Mulenga offers pace and dribbling that has made him an influential force in an attack that failed woefully to finish during their 2-0 league defeat to SuperSport United last weekend.
