ASC Kara vs ASEC Mimosas - CAF Champions League

The CAF Champions League returns to the home ground on September 6, 2026, where ASC Kara and ASEC Mimosas will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Football throws up these lovely surprises that you are not expecting from time to time." For now, Bloomfield can enjoy the rare privilege of being able to say yes to his family without checking the fixture list first.

A glance at the CAF Champions League table tells the story: ASC Kara in 39th and ASEC Mimosas in 17th, with positions to defend and places to climb. ASC Kara's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Larson has not visited Victory Lane since May last year but remains firmly in championship contention, sitting eighth in the standings as the NASCAR Chase approaches in September.

The tactical subplot is compelling: ASC Kara favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while ASEC Mimosas are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Carrick is the ideal man to try and help with that reintegration, having played with the forward at United and coached him when he was on the staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by ASC Kara, the weight of evidence favours ASEC Mimosas — a 1-2 away win is the call. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.