Key facts ahead of the semis

The CAF Champions League, formerly called African Cup of Champion Clubs is in its 19th season since the introduction of the new format in 1997.

 

During its early years, 1997-2000, the winners of the two groups directly progressed to the final. The semi-final was introduced in 2001.

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- This is the fifth time two teams from the same country have reached the semis;

2004: Esperance, Etoile Sahel (Tunisia)

2005: Al Ahly, Zamalek (Egypt)

2009: Heartland, Kano Pillars (Nigeria)

2014: TP Mazembe, AS Vita (DR Congo)

2015: El Hilal, El Merreikh (Sudan)

 

- TP Mazembe (DR Congo) have five previous appearances at the semis, three for El Hilal (Sudan) and one on the part of USM Alger (Algeria).

 

TP Mazembe

2002: TP Mazembe - Zamalek (1-1, 0-2)

2009: El Hilal - TP Mazembe (2-5, 0-2)

2010: TP Mazembe - JS Kabylie (3-1, 0-0)

2012: TP Mazembe - Esperance (0-0, 0-1)

2014: ES Setif - TP Mazembe (2-1, 2-3)

 

El Hilal

2007: El Hilal - ES Sahel (2-1, 1-3)

2009: El Hilal - TP Mazembe (2-5, 0-2)

2011: El Hilal - Esperance (0-0, 0-1)

 

USM Alger

2003: USM Alger - Enyimba (1-1, 1-2)

 

- With 15 points (out of 18) obtained in the group stage, USM Alger equalled the record of Esperance, in 1999 and 2013. Esperance however failed to reach the final on both occasions losing to Raja Athletic Club (Morocco) on penalties in 1999 and succumbing to Orlando Pirates of South Africa in 2013.

 

- The order of the semi-finals has its important. Since 2001, the team that hosts the first leg has advanced to the final on 11 times.

 

- The biggest scoreline in the history of the semi-finals was recorded in 2009 by TP Mazembe, which beat El Hilal 5-2 on Omdurman. However, the widest margin victory was masterminded Heartland (4-0 against Kano Pillars); Coton Sport (4-0 against Dynamos), and Raja Athletic Club (4-0 against ASEC Mimosas).

By: Cafonline.com