CAF CL: Cotonsport Drawn In Group Of Death Alongside Sundowns & Ahly

17-time Elite One winners Cotonsport have been drawn in group B of the 2022/23 CAF champions league against South African outfit Mamelodi Sundowns, and African club of the century, Al Ahly of Egypt.

In what will be classic games on the cards, Cotonsport will have the unenviable tasks of facing-off against Al Ahly, Al Hilal of Omdurman and dreaded Mamelodi Sundowns.

Cotonsport’s is making its return to the CAF champions league after 5 years of absence: the last time they appeared in the group stage, Cameroon’s most decorated club ended bottom in a group that had; Zanaco, Wydad and Ahly.

Al Ahly are natural contenders of the CAF champions league, and they are expected to win the silverware at every attempt. The red devil’s had their work halted in last season’s final against Wydad Athletic Club – which led to erstwhile coach Pitso, parting ways with the club.

Before their 2-0 loss against Wydad earlier this year in the final, Ahly had won 10 champions league trophies including a hat-trick in a row from 2019.

SA Giants Mamelodi Sundowns are equally expected to make the penultimate stages of the champions league.

The 12-time South African Championship winners have dominated football locally, but what is needed from its fans is CAF inter-club glory.

The Masandawa were surprisingly knocked out by Petro de Luanda in the qaurter-finals last time out, which made it 6 years since they won the competition.

Al Ahli of Sudan have won the prestigious competition in two occasions:1987 and 1992.

Ahli Omdurman have however not gotten out of the group stage since the 2018/19 season.

Cotonsport of Garoua whose last success story in CAF inter-club competitions came in 2020/21 when they made the semis of the Confederations cup will have to dig deep if they want to peform the 2008 miracle.

Cotonsport’s best return in the competition dates back to 14 years ago, in 2008, when they were defeated 4-2 on aggregate by Al Ahly in the final.

Complete group stage draws

CAF Champions League

GROUP A
AS Vita Club
JS Kabylie
Petro Atletico
Wydad AC

GROUP B
Coton Sport
Al Hilal Omdurman
Mamelodi Sundowns
Al Ahly SC

GROUP C
Vipers SC
Simba SC
Horoya AC
Raja Club Athletic

GROUP D
Al Merreikh SC
CR Belouizdad
Zamalek SC
Espérance Tunis

Group stage games are expected to start on February 10 and run till April 1, 2023.