Enyimba, Sfaxien go in search of draws

JOHANNESBURG – Former winners Enyimba of Nigeria and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien only need draws on the final weekend of group matches to book semi-final berths in the African Champions League.

Enyimba, who won Africa’s top club prize in 2003 and 2004, must avoid defeat away to Orlando Pirates in Johannesburg on Saturday to edge second place over the South African side in Group B. The top slot in the standings, which guarantees a home tie in the second leg, has already been taken by ASEC Abidjan of the Ivory Coast.In Group A, CS Sfaxien can still finish top but must beat Asante Kotoko of Ghana at home on Sunday and hope that defending champions Al Ahli of Egypt are beaten in their final match.Al Ahli have already qualified, but are expected to resist the temptation of playing a second-string side against Algeria’s JS Kabylie on Sunday because of the risk of a second-place finish.Asante Kotoko must win to advance ahead of their Tunisian opponents and their attacking ambitions have been enhanced by the fact that Sfaxien’s international defender Issam Merdassi is suspended.ASSEC Abidjan are expected to rest key players for their trip to Obuasi to face last-placed Hearts of Oak in Group B.Nampa-ReutersThe top slot in the standings, which guarantees a home tie in the second leg, has already been taken by ASEC Abidjan of the Ivory Coast.In Group A, CS Sfaxien can still finish top but must beat Asante Kotoko of Ghana at home on Sunday and hope that defending champions Al Ahli of Egypt are beaten in their final match.Al Ahli have already qualified, but are expected to resist the temptation of playing a second-string side against Algeria’s JS Kabylie on Sunday because of the risk of a second-place finish.Asante Kotoko must win to advance ahead of their Tunisian opponents and their attacking ambitions have been enhanced by the fact that Sfaxien’s international defender Issam Merdassi is suspended.ASSEC Abidjan are expected to rest key players for their trip to Obuasi to face last-placed Hearts of Oak in Group B.Nampa-Reuters