Morocco's Raja CA have their back against the wall in Group B of the CAF Champions League and the Green Eagles must win Saturday's clash against visiting Mamelodi Sundowns (19:00 GMT). A disastrous 2024-25 season has Raja on the verge of elimination in continental competition while Sundowns will attempt to take a step closer to securing qualification for the quarterfinals.
Group B Table
Games Played | Points | |
| 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 3 | 1 |
Raja CA
Now under the management of caretaker coach Hafid Abdessadek, Raja have endured a tumultuous time and the belief of the club's passionate fans is at an all-time low. Two consecutive 2-0 defeats in Morocco's top division Botola Pro displayed the attacking incompetence that continues to be a theme this season. However that isn't even the main concern for Abdessadek who emphasized avoiding defensive mistakes in the crucial match.
Players such as Equatorial Guinea national team defender Federico Bikoro continue to come under fire from the supporters and there are few alternatives on the bench. Nobody has escaped criticism in a defensive unit that has failed the team at crucial moments during Champions League matches. Even loyal goalkeeper Anas Zniti has not been his best but the 36-year-old is back from injury to battle younger option El Mehdi Al Harrar for the gloves.
The situation in attack is a bit more hopeful. Attacker Adam Ennafati has scored five goals in his last nine matches since returning from injury and the sensation of last season, Naoufel Zerhouni, appears to be healthy for Saturday's match even if his form has decline this season. However, no striker has emerged as a consistent scorer between Younes Najjari and former Simba star Pape Ousmane Sakho.
Mamelodi Sundowns
The winning machine is back in order for the South African champions since head coach Miguel Cardoso arrived in December. Clearly, everything is still coming together between the coach and his squad but the 2016 CAF Champions League winners have not conceded during his four matches in charge. Despite Raja's struggles, Cardoso is preparing his team for a difficult match following a long trip.
Even when Masandawana's prolific attack sputters, the defense continues to remain strong. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was recognized as the Goalkeeper of the Year at the CAF Awards and a stout defensive line led by central defender Grant Kekana and excellent fullbacks maintains a high level of play. The return to health and form of central defender Rushine de Reuck only adds to the strength of a unit that has further support in the midfield from Bathusi Aubaas.
A decline in form from striker Peter Shalulile set the stage for former Stellenbosch forward Iqraam Rayners to become the main option up top. With seven goals in his last eight matches, Rayners has even forced big money Brazilian striker Arthur Sales to wait for his turn. Another high priced South American, playmaker Marcelo Allende, is available after a couple matches out due to injury along with Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro who is unstoppable in African football when at his best.
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