Burkinabe small fry could dump Egypt’s big guns

A club only promoted to Burkina Faso’s top division last year is poised to complete a Caf Confederation Cup shock when they take on big guns Al Masry of Egypt this weekend.

Salitas, from the Burkinabe capital city Ouagadougou, host last season’s semifinalists Al Masry with a 2-0 aggregate lead after the first leg of their round-of-32 tie in Port Said last weekend.

It was a remarkable result as the West African country’s clubs generally perform poorly in continental competitions, while those from Egypt are often serious title contenders.

AFP Sport highlights five clubs not expected to go far in Africa’s secondary football tournament who could qualify for playoffs against the Caf Champions League first-round losers.

Clinical finishing and a string of brilliant saves from veteran Daouda Diakite led to the biggest surprise of this season’s Confederation Cup so far.

Salitas were given no hope when they travelled to Egypt to play Al Masry, having struggled to get past Wakriya of Guinea – fellow debutants to African club competition – in the previous round.

Masry have struggled since losing coach Hossam Hassan after last season’s semifinal loss to V Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo and are now in danger of making a shock early exit.

Rwanda’s Mukura Victory are well placed to secure a playoff place at the first attempt, thanks largely to a watertight defence.

They kept two clean sheets in ousting SA’s Free State Stars and then held 2017 quarterfinalists Al Hilal Obied to a goalless draw in Sudan.

With home advantage, Mukura have the edge as they seek to emulate compatriots Rayon Sport, who last season became the first Rwandan qualifiers for the group phase.

Ivorians San Pedro did better than anticipated when they drew 1-1 with Kinshasa outfit Daring Club Motema Pembe in the DR Congo, tilting the odds on winning the tie in their favour.

Should 1994 African Cup Winners Cup trophy holders Motema Pembe be eliminated, DR Congo are unlikely to have any representative in the playoffs.

AS Nyuki from eastern Congo lost 1-0 at home to Angolan side Petro Atletico and their chances of turning the tables in Luanda appear slim.

The Cameroonian outfit can thank Junior Ngongang for being in a favourable position to make progress after a disappointing campaign start.

New Star, of port city Douala, were held to a goalless draw at home by Vital’O of Burundi in the preliminary round, but pulled off a shock 41 second-leg victory with littleknown Ngongang the four-goal hero.

He scored again at Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli last weekend, earning his side a 1-1 draw and putting them in pole position to win the tie.

Kariobangi Sharks could face challenges on and off the field when the Kenyan club tackle Ghanaians Asante Kotoko in Kumasi. –