JOHANNESBURG – Defending African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a tricky draw in the group stages of the CAF Champions League on Wednesday.
The South African club will have a score to settle with AS Vita from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a side that was disqualified in last year’s edition to give the Brazilians a way back into the competition despite being knocked out.
Vita were found guilty of fielding an inlegible player and were sent packing by CAF, with Sundowns, the last team they beat to qualify for the group stages, asked to return to take their place.
The Brazilians went on to win the Champions League in October last year.
Sundowns, who were seeded as reigning champions, were drawn in Group C and will face Vita, Esperance (Tunisia) and Saint George from Ethiopia.
The draw for the CAF Confederation Cup was also conducted in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday afternoon, with both Platinum Stars and SuperSport United learning who their opposition will be in the chase for the less prestigious, but still credible, tournament.
Stars will also face a Tunisian side in CS Sfaxien, MC Alger from Algeria and Mbabane Swallows from neighbouring country Swaziland in Group B. SuperSport on the other hand have a big test against three-time Champions League winners TP Mazembe, who also happen to be the defending champions of the Confederation Cup. Horoya from Guinea and Gabon’s CF Mounana complete Group D of that competition.
@superjourno