<div id="attachment_370014" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-370014" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Stringer/picture alliance via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League is especially prominent over recent years. Egyptian side Al Ahly’s back-to-back titles is just the beginning.</p>
<p>From Cameroonian club dominance to Al Ahly’s impressive successes, the CAF Champions League produces remarkable moments. Africa’s premier club soccer tournament developed numerous soccer stars like Vincent Enyeama and Hossam Hassan. It gives clubs from all over Africa a chance to show their skills.</p>
<p>Yet, North African clubs own a monopoly over the CAF Champions League in recent years. Since 2016, elite North African clubs triumphed in the premier club tournament on the continent. This season, Al Ahly enters as the two-time holders of the competition.</p>
<p>The stranglehold by the region is not simply quality or commitment discrepancies. As seen, AFCON, as well as <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/31/the-joy-of-watching-non-league-soccer-and-cup-upsets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other club competitions</a>, can <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/16999874" target="_blank" rel="noopener">produce underdogs</a> that bring trophies home.</p>
<p>The differences lie elsewhere in regards to North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<h3>Explaining North Africa’s dominance in the competition</h3>
<p>For reference, we designate Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Libya as North Africa. These are the nations that span the Mediterranean Sea and fall under the Union of North African Football, or UNAF.</p>
<p>North African club soccer certainly trumps other African clubs. In the competition’s near-60-year history, North African clubs won 33 titles, more than all other nation’s clubs combined. Trophies are one thing. The debate stems from <em>how</em> the North African sides dominate.</p>
<p>The simple answer would be to say skill or quality. Looking at the African Cup of Nations, UNAF nations do hold a lead in terms of number of champions. Egypt (7), Algeria (2), Morocco (1) and Tunisia (1) account for 11 titles. UNAF has more than any other region of Africa.</p>
<p>This is impressive, yes, but it is only a narrow lead over West Africa’s 10 titles and Central Africa’s eight. Meanwhile, the club scene runs through North Africa, and that much is undisputed.</p>
<h5>North African clubs standing out</h5>
<p>Journalist Maher Mezahi writes this dominance on the club scene exists because of the funding of North African sides.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The simple truth is that many North African clubs possess sizeable budgets, allowing for the construction of infrastructure and better player acquisition,”</em> he wrote in a <a href="https:\/\/mg.co.za/article/2019-04-30-the-secret-of-north-africas-football-dominance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 article</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p>North Africa has more private investors investing in clubs so teams can spend more. Club infrastructure via training grounds and stadiums draws in players. Of course, these facilities are wildly expensive for the most lavish of options. Many African clubs do not have the funding to support something of this nature.</p>
<p>Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane told KICKOFF <a href="https:\/\/www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/caf-champions-league/mamelodi-sundowns-coach-pitso-mosimane-e/593965" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his thoughts</a> on North African clubs’ dominance.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The big thing about North Africans is all about the intimidation. It is about how the officials handle the stress and the pressure,”</em> Mosimane said.</p></blockquote>
<p>Fan bases in North Africa are very energetic and sometimes hard to handle.</p>
<p>North Africa’s dominance comes from a mix of both money and intimidation. On one hand, money and marketing impact how rosters are made up. Therefore, better talent, players, coaches and facilities can be intimidating to those on the outside.</p>
<p>Yet there are countless other reasons too. They range from the popularity of soccer to the corruption that plagues football associations.</p>
<h3><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-370572 size-full" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220210_WST_365991_CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=900" alt="CAF Champions League trophy" width="1200" height="900" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></h3>
<h3>Hope for the underdogs and outliers</h3>
<p>There is hope for Africa’s sub-Saharan sides.</p>
<p>This era draws comparisons to when the Congo dominated in the 1960s and Cameroon’s success in the 1980s. The current period exemplifies North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<p>Other clubs need to adapt now more than ever. Although North Africa’s dominance looks near insurmountable, there are examples of how to <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/caf-champions-league/story/4001768/how-mamelodi-sundowns-became-the-caf-champions-leagues-trickiest-customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take down some of Africa’s mightiest fighters</a>.</p>
<h5>Breaking down the groups</h5>
<p>Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of North African clubs. The CAF Champions League includes defending champions Al Ahly, famed club Raja Casablanca, and more. However, no one expected how dominant North Africa would be in qualifying. Half of the teams in the group stage, eight out of 16, are North African.</p>
<p>Clubs from North Africa do not just reign in quantity but also quality. North African teams form the top-five sides for seeding. Essentially, UNAF clubs held the highest places in CAF’s five-Year Ranking. The best four associations, according to the CAF five-year ranking, are from North Africa. This, yet again, reaffirms North Africa’s dominance.</p>
<p>North Africa’s power is unparalleled, but some teams could lift the trophy in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Preview</h5>
<p>Al Ahly is the favorite to take home the CAF Champions League trophy. Coming off two consecutive Champions League victories, Al Ahly is also a domestic powerhouse. Fellow Egyptian side Zamalek, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Tunisian titleholders Esperance Tunis could also take the title.</p>
<p>Yet numerous sleeper candidates pose problems to the perennial contenders. Sides like AmaZulu from South Africa or Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel will be problematic for the pre-established elite. Horoya AC will also cause trouble in a field full of fascinating sides.</p>
<p>On beIN Sports, many players will show their skills and attract the attention of clubs from other continents. Malian international <a href="https:\/\/breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/aliou-dieng-malis-midfield-metronome/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aliou Dieng</a> will be among those players. Dieng, who earned 20 caps for his native Mali, is one of the continent’s best players at club and international level. The defensive midfielder is akin to a brick wall.</p>
<p>Another player to look out for is Namibia’s Peter Shalulile. Shalulile leads Mamelodi Sundowns’ front line in this CAF campaign. Shalulile terrorized the South African Premier League all season and will look to repeat his feats in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Getting things started</h5>
<p>beIN SPORTS holds the rights to broadcast the CAF Champions League in the United States. The tournament kicks off on Friday, Feb. 11, with games running into the weekend.</p>
<p>beIN SPORTS puts these games on its extra channels, such as beIN SPORTS Connect 2 or beIN SPORTS Connect 3. Therefore, beIN SPORTS Connect is a viable option to watch these games, as is something like <a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">fuboTV</a>.</p>
<p>Here are some of the notable games in the first matchday to get North Africa’s dominance started in the 2022 edition of the CAF Champions League. All times are U.S. Eastern Time.</p>
<p><strong>Friday, Feb. 11</strong></p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) vs. CR Bélouizdad (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 a.m. — Wydad AC (Morocco) vs. GD Sagrada Esparanca (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Saturday, Feb. 12</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) vs. Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Horoya AC (Guinea) vs. ES Sétif (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Zamalek (Egypt) vs. Petro Atlético (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Sunday Feb. 13</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Coton Sport FC (Cameroon) vs. Al Masry (Egypt) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Pyramids (Egypt) vs. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs. JS Saoura (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) vs. Zanaco (Zambia) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — RS Berkane (Morocco) vs. USGN (Niger) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>


The CAF Champions League is a dramatic tournament among the continent's best clubs, but North Africa's dominance persists entering 2022.

North Africa's dominance entering the CAF Champions League - World Soccer Talk

North Africa's dominance entering the CAF Champions League

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>The AFCON 2021 schedule of games shape up to be yet another dramatic international tournament in one of the most diverse areas. Originally, CAF scheduled the tournament for the summer of 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the tournament to early 2022. Regardless, the tournament still carries its importance (and the 2021 moniker).</p>
<p>Soccer players have the opportunity to accomplish honorable things throughout their careers. Club titles are great, but players move around frequently in the modern era. The biggest honor for an international soccer player is to represent their nation in the FIFA World Cup. However, other international competitions are not far behind.</p>
<p>The African Cup of Nations, commonly referred to as AFCON, features all the makings of a great tournament. World class talents, wonderkids, good coaching and teams constantly on the world’s stage.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the focus ahead of AFCON 2021 revolved around clubs preventing players from participating. Additionally, certain pundits question the validity of the event and its <a href="https:\/\/www.eurosport.com/football/africa-cup-of-nations/2022/africa-cup-of-nations-coverage-completely-tinged-with-racism-claims-ian-wright-ahead-of-cameroon-tou_sto8687589/story.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">questionable coverage by European outlets</a>.</p>
<h5>Conflict of Interests among AFCON 2021 schedule</h5>
<p>AFCON and the AFC Asian Cup are the only continental tournaments that take place during the European club campaigns.</p>
<p>In 2019, CAF moved its international tournament to the summer for the first time in history. Initially, Cameroon earned selection as the host for the tournament. However, domestic conflicts and infrastructural issues moved the competition to Egypt. Overall, the event was a success. Algeria defeated Senegal to win their second AFCON title.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/africa-cup-of-nations-tv-schedule/">AFCON 2021 schedule of games on US TV and streaming</a></p>
<p>The move to the summer allowed more people around the world to watch the tournament and bring attention to the Confederation of African Football. However, questionable concerns about the “unfavorable climatic conditions” moved the competition back to January-February.</p>
<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/30/premier-league-stars-set-for-exceptional-africa-cup-of-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European clubs</a> have always been hesitant to send their players overseas in the middle of the season. Teams are overly protective this year, due to COVID-19 continuing to affect the world.</p>
<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is particularly critical of the tournament in the middle of the club season. He will lose Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita until at least late January.</p>
<blockquote><p>“In January, there’s a little tournament in Africa, I just want to say, and I think Asia is playing games, too – South America as well, great, can’t wait.”</p></blockquote>
<p>However, Egypt and Senegal are among the favorites. Therefore, Salah and Mane could be gone until <a href="https:\/\/www.thisisanfield.com/2022/01/when-salah-mane-keita-could-return-from-afcon-earliest-and-latest-dates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">February 7</a>.</p>
<h3>AFCON 2021 schedule: The contenders</h3>
<p>Later, Klopp stated the media took his comments out of context. Yet, by that time, damage was done. His players are all in the running for the continent’s best player. Therefore, it is no surprise that his players represent some of the nations expected to be in the running for the competition.</p>
<h5>Egypt</h5>
<p>Salah is currently on the form of his life. The Egyptian scored <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-salah/profil/spieler/148455" target="_blank" rel="noopener">23 goals in 26 matches</a> in all competitions. In the Premier League, his 16 goals and nine assists <a href="https:\/\/www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lead both categories</a>. The 29-year-old is in the conversation of greatest African player of all time.</p>
<p>Winning AFCON with Egypt will solidify his place amongst other icons like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré. If Salah can dominate a tournament like Lionel Messi did in the 2021 edition of Copa America, then the <em>Pharoahs</em> will be dangerous.</p>
<p>Egypt last won the AFCON in 2010, before the majority of players currently representing the nation broke onto the stage. In recent years, a trip to the finals is the only top-four finish since that 2010 triumph. However, Egypt remains the most successful side in the history of the competition.</p>
<p>Salah plays a key role in the nation’s quest for its eighth triumph in AFCON 2021.</p>
<h5>Senegal</h5>
<p>The runner-up in 2019 returns with a side even stronger than what performed at the last tournament. The main part of that comes in goal. Edouard Mendy, who mans the area for defending UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea, goes between the posts for Senegal.</p>
<p>In front of Mendy is Kalidou Koulibaly. Koulibaly played to a mediocre 2021 domestically with Napoli. However, recent form with Napoli is strong, helping Luciano Spalletti’s side to <a href="https:\/\/www.legaseriea.it/en/serie-a/league-table" target="_blank" rel="noopener">third in the Italian table</a>. He enters the tournament as one of the best defenders in the world.</p>
<p>Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye owns a reputation as a defensive presence in the middle of the pitch. Yet, he does bag the occasional goal with the Parisians. Thus, his prowess adds another dimension to the attack.</p>
<p>The one question mark up top is the status of Ismaila Sarr. Watford prevented its star forward from representing Senegal at AFCON 2021. Among other reasons, Watford does not want to rush Sarr’s return from injury. A knee injury sidelined the winger for two months, something the Hornets do not want to keep a persistent issue. If the 23-year-old can participate, Senegal are the favorites to win their first AFCON.</p>
<h5><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-357847 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220105_WST_364907_Mahrez-Algeria-1-300x434.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=434" alt="" width="300" height="434" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-300x434.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-600x869.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-150x217.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-768x1112.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-1061x1536.jpg 1061w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div></h5>
<h5>Algeria</h5>
<p>In the 2010s, Algeria made a case as the strongest African side. Of course, recency bias kicks in as the 2019 AFCON champions.</p>
<p>The reigning champions return most of the players who were triumphant in the last tournament.</p>
<p>At the center of it all is captain Riyad Mahrez. He has been, unsurprisingly,&nbsp; <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/riyad-mahrez/profil/spieler/171424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sensational for Manchester City</a> this season. He leads the team with five Champions League goals. Additionally, domesitc performances put the Algerian on 10 goal contributions in 16 Premier League games.</p>
<p>Along with Mahrez, AC Milan midfielder Ismaël Bennacer, West Ham winger Saïd Benrahma and Napoli forward Adam Ounas provide the Fennec Foxes with the best attack in Africa. They also have a wily veteran who can score scrapy goals in Islam Slimani. Because Algeria will dominate possession in most of their matches, head coach Djamel Belmadi must bring balance to the midfield and backline to prevent teams from utilizing counterattacks against them.</p>
<h5>Cote d’Ivoire</h5>
<p>Ivory Coast lay a claim to possessing the best midfield in the tournament. To start, AC Milan’s Franck Kessie will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the summer. Also, Jean Michael Seri was once regarded as a player who had the technical skills, vision and playmaking ability to play for Barcelona. Instead, he went to Fulham and currently has six assists in the Championship. His play is helping his team stay in the promotion race.</p>
<p>Burnley’s Maxwel Cornet along with Sassuolo’s duo of Jeremie Boga and Hamed Traore gives head coach Patrice Beaumelle a multitude of options.</p>
<p>They also have a strong front line led by Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, Ajax striker Sebastien Haller and Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe. The backline features Manchester United center-back Eric Bailly, Wolves center-back Willy Boly and Villareal right-back Serge Aurier.</p>
<p>Goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo will need to reclaim the form that helped him make AFCON Team of the Tournament in 2015 to give Ivory Coast a chance at winning the competition.</p>
<p>Clearly the Ivory Coast has the names, it just comes down to how well they will mesh on the pitch. The Ivory Coast last won AFCON just three tournaments ago in 2015.</p>
<h5>Other candidates</h5>
<p>Overall, the 33rd edition of AFCON will showcase elite players trying to bring glory and honor to their countries.</p>
<p>Even though there are four teams who are considered heavy favorites, it is possible that a smaller nation can go on a magical run. Just 10 years ago, Zambia stunned the masses en route to its first AFCON crown in 2012. Or, a sleeping giant such as Ghana or Nigeria can become victorious like Cameroon in 2019.</p>
<p>Either way, the AFCON 2021 schedule of games will be must-see TV.</p>
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View our AFCON 2021 schedule to find out which African nation is best set up to win one of the most dramatic competitions

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North Africa's dominance entering the CAF Champions League

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AFCON 2021 schedule: Africa's best battle for top honors