Record holders Al Ahly and defending champions Pyramids FC will both target vital away wins in this weekend's CAF Champions League quarterfinal first legs.
The standout tie pits Al Ahly against fierce rivals Esperance Sportive de Tunis at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, Tunisia, on Sunday.
It is a classic North African showdown packed with history and intensity, with two teams having met in several memorable Champions League finals over the years.
Al Ahly's Egyptian rivals, Pyramids FC, face AS FAR in another Moroccan-Egyptian derby at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Friday at midnight, aiming to keep their title defence on track.
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Pyramids have been in impressive form throughout the campaign and will be keen to secure an advantage on the road against a resilient Moroccan outfit known for their disciplined play and home strength.
Action starts Friday night when Mamelodi Sundowns host surprise package Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, with Sundowns determined to avoid an upset against the Group D toppers.
The Malian visitors arrive as underdogs against perennial contenders but with nothing to lose, making this a classic home-favourite-versus-dark-horse matchup that could produce fireworks.
RS Berkane welcome Al Hilal Omdurman at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, banking on home advantage in their clash with the resilient Sudanese side, who topped Group C.
Berkane, no strangers to continental success in recent years (particularly in the CAF Confederation Cup), will aim to build a strong foundation in front of their passionate fans against counter-attacking specialists, Al Hilal.
Champions League 1st-leg fixtures
Friday, 13 March
20:00 - Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) v Stade Malien (Mali)
00:00 - AS FAR (Morocco) v Pyramids FC (Egypt)
Saturday, 14 March
00:00 SAST - RS Berkane (Morocco) v Al Hilal (Sudan)
Sunday, 15 March
23:00 - Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) v Al Ahly (Egypt)

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