The draw for the preliminary round of the 2023-24 CAF Champions League was held on Tuesday, and two of Africa’s biggest clubs, Vipers SC and Orlando Pirates, were drawn against tough opponents.
Vipers SC, the reigning champions of Uganda, were drawn against Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana in Group A. Jwaneng Galaxy are the current champions of the Botswana Premier League, and they will be a tough test for Vipers SC.
Orlando Pirates, the most successful club in South African football, were drawn against Djabal of Equatorial Guinea in Group B. Djabal are the current champions of the Equatorial Guinean Premier League, and they will be a physical and unpredictable opponent for Orlando Pirates.
The winners of each group will advance to the CAF Champions League group stage, where they will face some of the best clubs in Africa.
The preliminary round matches will be played on August 10 and 17, 2023.
Here is a more detailed look at the two matches:
Vipers SC vs. Jwaneng Galaxy
Vipers SC are the defending champions of Uganda, and they have been one of the most consistent clubs in Africa in recent years. They have reached the CAF Champions League group stage three times in the past four seasons.
Jwaneng Galaxy are the current champions of Botswana, and they are a very physical team. They are known for their direct style of play, and they will be looking to take advantage of Vipers SC’s relatively inexperienced defense.
This is a tough match for both teams, but Vipers SC should have the edge in terms of quality. However, Jwaneng Galaxy will be a tough opponent, and they will be looking to cause an upset.
Orlando Pirates vs. Djabal
Orlando Pirates are the most successful club in South African football, and they have won the CAF Champions League once. They are a very experienced team, and they have a good mix of youth and experience.
Djabal are the current champions of Equatorial Guinea, and they are a very physical team. They are known for their direct style of play, and they will be looking to take advantage of Orlando Pirates’ relatively slow midfield.
This is a tough match for both teams, but Orlando Pirates should have the edge in terms of experience. However, Djabal will be a tough opponent, and they will be looking to cause an upset.
The winners of these two matches will advance to the CAF Champions League group stage, where they will face some of the best clubs in Africa. These are two very exciting matches, and they should be closely contested.
