Africa’s premier club competition resumes in March with mouth-watering quarter-final fixtures, featuring five North African heavyweights battling for supremacy.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly are chasing a record-extending 13th continental crown but must first overcome four-time champions Esperance of Tunisia. Sudan’s Al Hilal face Morocco’s RS Berkane in another finely balanced tie as both sides seek a historic triumph.
Former champions Mamelodi Sundowns, winners in 2016 and runners-up last season, will be confident of advancing past Stade Malien as they aim for a second African title. Meanwhile, defending champions Pyramids must see off AS FAR to secure a semi-final berth.
Abe, who played a crucial role in Sunshine Stars’ run to the semi-finals in 2012, believes this year’s tournament will follow a predictable script and expects one of the established powerhouses to ultimately lift the trophy.
"There has been clear improvement in this season’s CAF Champions League compared to previous editions," Abe told Flashscore.com.
"Teams from across Africa have raised their level to show that they truly deserve to be in the competition. But when it comes to predicting who will win the trophy, I do not expect any major surprises.
"Stade Malien have done very well especially by finishing top of their group ahead of big names like Esperance. Even so, I do not see them reaching the final let alone winning the title.
"The quarter-final clash between RS Berkane and Al Hilal will be exciting to watch. Both teams have quality but it will be hard to see either of them going all the way to become African champions.
"Also, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly are two of the biggest clubs in Africa but their journey could be complicated, especially if they meet in the semi-final, where the result could go either way.
"To be honest, I strongly believe defending champions Pyramids will retain their title. They have been outstanding and I feel the trophy is theirs to lose."
Along with Al Ahly, Pyramids are the only team that did not lose a match in the group stage. The Egyptians accrued 16 points from six games, scored 14 goals, and conceded only two.
Whether they win the title again or not, Krunoslav Jurcic’s men have already qualified for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Abe also explained why North African teams have been so successful in the competition as clubs from that region have won the last seven editions of the tournament.
"One major reason North African teams continue to dominate the CAF Champions League is the strength of their domestic leagues," the former Nigeria U20 star continued.
"When you talk about the most competitive leagues in Africa, the Egyptian, Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian leagues are always mentioned.
"These leagues also enjoy strong financial support, modern infrastructure like great stadia, quality training facilities as well as stable management structures.
"Another factor working for them is their experience in continental competitions. They (North Africans) regularly reach the latter stages of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, which gives them confidence and tactical maturity.
"In addition, many of their top national team players compete in their home leagues. This strengthens the clubs and makes them very difficult opponents on the continent.
"As I have always said, until other regions in Africa improve their league structures, funding, and player development systems, they may continue to trail behind the North African teams in continental competitions."
