Explained: How Midfield Performances in CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup are Changing the Game
Over the weekend, it was about the return of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, and there were a lot of glimpses and expectations among the fans.
Looking more broadly, two areas caught my eye. In this year's competition, African teams must catch up to have the strongest players in various positions, but great teams have filled those positions with players who have changed the entire context of the game over the last two years.
Roger Aholou's holding role for Raja in unconventional system
Roger Aholou played in an unconventional system for Raja in their 5–0 win against the Vipers.
Raja asked their two advanced midfielders plus wingers to get inside, which brought many problems for the Vipers' 4-4-2 approach out of possession.
Still, Roger Aholou was there to minimize any threat in the break for the Vipers, who were hoping for a counterattack in Casablanca
Aholou played a holding role, dropping between the centre-backs or quickly jumping ahead of them to provide a passing option. As summarized over the weekend, it was about the return of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, and there were a lot of glimpses and expectations among the fans.
Looking more broadly, two areas caught my eye. In this year's competition, African teams must catch up to have the strongest players in various positions, but great teams have filled those positions with players who have changed the entire context of the game over the last two years.
Roger Aholou played in an unconventional system for Raja in their 5–0 win against the Vipers.
Raja asked their two advanced midfielders plus wingers to get inside, which brought many problems for the Vipers' 4-4-2 approach out of possession.
Still, Roger Aholou was there to minimize any threat that might have come from his last goal of the game.
Zamalek's wide attackers and full-back combination play
Zamalek played 3-4-3, which meant Zizo and Abdallah Sayed had to play more narrowly; however, Zizo had a good combination play with wingback Ahmed El Fatouh on that left side, similar to what Pyramids did against FAR Rabat in the Confederation Cup, where a wide attacker combined well with a full back.
The outside combination between full-backs, especially when Ramadhani Sobhi and Mostafa Fathi tried to come inside, had their full-backs on speed on the outside, confusing the opposition.
Yanga's lack of threat from wide attackers
It was different from Yanga's game against US Monastir, where their wide attackers did not provide a threat one-on-one or try to drift inside to create space for full-backs to overlap because they were stuck for most of the game, leading to deep crosses from full-backs.
Marumo Gallants' successful 4-4-2 with wingers drifting infield
Marumo Gallants have been a struggling side in the league, but their 4-4-2 worked against Al Akhdar of Libya, especially with a threat from wingers who were incredible at drifting infield, taking a position that accelerated their attacks.
Lesiba Nku had the opening goal and could have had more with his chances in the opening minutes.
Kattlego Otladisa had an assist and created a couple of chances from the left side with his quick thinking and decision-making.
Gallants are at the bottom of the PSL, but they were at their best in the first group stage rounds thanks to a well-executed tactical plan.
Their two midfielders, Lucky Muhomi and Celimpilo Ngema, controlled the game, especially on attacking movement, taking passes, trying to shift side by side, and staying close to each other horizontally; it helped them only have a little ground to cover.
Strong midfield duos in interclub competition
Playing with two deep midfielders is something clubs prefer over international teams.
In the first round of interclub competition, Islam Issa and Blati Ture could be named the best midfielder duo.
Issa's ability to recover the ball, play, and understand how and where to increase the tempo is crucial; he is the shortest but most talented player I have seen in the first round of interclub competition.
Blati Toure maintained his touches and passing combination well in that double pivot with Issa for Pyramids.
Reda Slim's rebound skills for FAR Rabat
Reda Slim could be the strongest player for FAR Rabat, making him a huge player to watch in the coming years.
He played and grew into the context in a way that surprised him. He had two assists, but his rebounds are up for grabs.
Slim was in a marginal position, as was experienced US forward Monastir Youssef Oumarou, who caused the Tanzanian champions numerous problems.
Oumarou combined well with Boubacar Traore, the frontman, to release pressure and help in their combination play.
He took positions behind Salum Abobukar and Khalid Aucho, allowing his team to access the experienced Niger man.
Teboho Mokoena's masterclass for Sundowns
Teboho Mokoena keeps growing his values at Sundowns, and the Saturday display was another masterclass for Rhulani's army.
Mokoena was always comfortable and aware of receiving, passing, and moving the team upfield. At the same time, another continental club prefers a two-man.
Sundowns prefers one man with two supportive midfielders alongside the holding one in a 2-3-5 attacking structure.
Moving on from Mokoena, we have Houssem Eddine Mrezigue, who was only a CHAN player but had an outstanding game for the Algerian champions with his movement and distribution, assisting his side in executing their 4-3-3 approaches with one sitting midfielder, as it was for Sundowns.
Mory Kante and Fode Camara had a great game for Horaya in 4-2-3-1; they were excellent, especially in the first half, trying to cause havoc for the Tanzanian club, and took great control to make sure they were accessing their wide players who were comfortable trying to create chances, especially Amadou Wonkoye and Alseny Soumah.
With the return of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend, players like Roger Aholou, Zizo, Mohamed Hamdi, Lesiba Nku, Kattlego Otladisa, Islam Issa, Blati Toure, Reda Slim, Teboho Mokoena, Houssem Eddine Mrezigue, Mory Kante and Fode Camara all made significant contributions to their teams' success.
The teams played in various formations like 3-4-3, 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, and their tactics, such as using two deep midfielders and wide attackers drifting inward, allowed them to control the game and create opportunities. The first round of the interclub competition was a showcase of tactical brilliance and individual talent, and it promises to be an exciting competition moving forward.