Teams: Raja Casbalanca v AmaZulu
Date: 12 February 2022
Venue: Stade Mohammed
Usuthu qualified for the group stages the hard way, after overcoming a 1-0 first-leg home loss against Nyasa Big Bullets of Malawi in the first preliminary round, to progress 3-2 on aggregate following a 3-1 away win in the second-leg
Benni McCarthy's charges defied the odds again as they made it through to the group stages at the expense of Congolese giants TP Mazembe, qualifying on away goals' rule after a 1-1 draw on aggregate in the second preliminary round.
The South African outfit, who returned to action with a 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup last weekend, have bolstered the side with the signing of Abbubaker Mobara from Cape Town City and striker Abraham Majok from Cypriot side Paeek.
Usuthu couldn't open their group stage campaign against a more tougher opposition in Group B, as Raja would be high in confidence after winning the CAF Confederation Cup last season.
The Green Eagles had a bye in the first preliminary round and booked their spot in the group stages after a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win over Liberian side LPRC Oilers in the second preliminary round.
Raja, who have won this competition on three occasions, resumed their Botola Pro campaign in early February after a recess in January and are lying second on the table, six points behind leaders Wydad Casablanca.
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Gumede, Xoki, Malepe, Qalinge, Mobara, Makhaula, Cessay, Ntuli, Mulenga.
Subs: Amonome, Khumalo, Zulu, Mgwazela, Moremi, Memela, Mlambo, Buchanan, Majok
