Hearts, ex-champs set to clash in Confed Cup

A host of several former champions of the CAF Champions League are set to clash at this year’s Confederation Cup as the competition gears into the final elimination round.

Over the weekend, Accra Hearts of Oak, Champions League winner in 2000 and Confed Cup champions in 2004, overcame a Djoliba scare to advance to this final elimination round. Having won 2-1 away in Mali two weeks ago, Hearts were stunned 0-1 in Accra last Sunday, but the Phobians managed to scale the hurdle with the away goals rule. However they could be handed a tough contender with the draw in Cairo this afternoon.

Hoping to conquer Africa again, Hearts could be drawn against a list of  former Champions League winners, who failed to make it in this year’s elite competition and have joined the Confed Cup competition. Record champions, Al Ahly of Egypt, two-time  champions, Esperance of Tunisia, champions of the maiden edition, and Raja Casablanca, are all in the fray and could face the Phobians. The other teams who make up the list from the Champions League event are AC Leopards from DR Congo, Stade Malien from Mali and Stade Kaloum.

Hearts are not the only former champions likely to meet another former champions as ASEC Mimosas, Orlando Pirates, Etoile du Sahel and Club Africain are also still in contention. AS Vita Club and Warri Wolves make up the list.

The draw will be held this afternoon and will see the teams face off in a two-leg contest with the winners progressing into the money zone.

The first leg will be played on May 15-17 with the second leg on June 5-7, 2015.