The latest round of the CAF Champions League group stage produced a thrilling mix of results, with dominant performances from Egyptian sides Al Ahly and Pyramids FC, while some favorites struggled to find their rhythm.
Here’s a recap of the key matches:
Young Africans 0-2 Al Hilal SC
Goals: Adama Coulibaly (63’), Yasir Mozamil (90’)
Sudanese giants Al Hilal secured a decisive away win over Young Africans in Tanzania. Coulibaly’s header opened the scoring just past the hour mark, and Mozamil sealed the victory with a late strike. The win puts Al Hilal in a strong position in their group as they aim for qualification to the knockout stages.
TP Mazembe 0-0 MC Alger
In a clash of African football heavyweights, TP Mazembe and MC Alger played out a goalless draw in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both teams had chances to win, but wasteful finishing and solid defensive displays left the match without a winner.
Al Ahly 4-2 Stade d’Abidjan
Goals: Mahmoud Kahraba (2), Mohamed Afsha, Hussein El Shahat || Kassoum Kone, Roger Assale
Defending champions Al Ahly flexed their attacking muscles in Cairo, defeating Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade d’Abidjan in a high-scoring affair. Kahraba’s brace set the tone, while Afsha and El Shahat added further goals to secure the win. Stade d’Abidjan fought valiantly with goals from Kone and Assale, but it wasn’t enough to upset the Egyptian giants.
Pyramids FC 5-1 Sagrada Esperança
Goals: Ibrahim Adel Ali (2), Mohamed Hamdi, Fiston Mayele Kalala, Ahmed Atef || Januario Cachi
Pyramids FC delivered a statement win at home, dismantling Angolan side Sagrada Esperança with a five-star performance. Ibrahim Adel’s two goals were the highlight of an attacking masterclass, as Pyramids dominated from start to finish.
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Maniema Union
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns failed to break down a resilient Maniema Union defense, settling for a frustrating goalless draw. Despite controlling possession, Sundowns could not convert their chances and dropped valuable points at home.
CR Belouizdad 1-2 Orlando Pirates
Goals: Khanyisa Mayo || Mohau Nkota (2)
South Africa’s Orlando Pirates came from behind to secure an impressive away win over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad. Mayo’s opener for the hosts was canceled out by Nkota’s brace, giving the Buccaneers a crucial three points in their campaign.
Esperance Tunis 4-0 Djoliba AC
Goals: Raed Bouchniba, Elias Mokwana, Oussema Bouguerra, Koussay Maacha
Esperance Tunis delivered a dominant performance in Tunisia, thrashing Mali’s Djoliba AC. Goals from Bouchniba, Mokwana, Bouguerra, and Maacha ensured a comprehensive victory for the four-time CAF Champions League winners.
Raja Club Athletic 0-2 AS FAR Rabat
Goals: Ahmed Hammoudan, Khalid Ouarkhane
In a shocking result, AS FAR Rabat stunned Raja Club Athletic in the Moroccan derby. Hammoudan and Ouarkhane struck in either half to hand FAR Rabat a well-deserved victory, leaving Raja with questions to answer as they aim to recover in the group stage.
Standout Performers:
- Ibrahim Adel Ali (Pyramids FC): A brace and a commanding display for the Egyptian side.
- Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates): A match-winning double to silence CR Belouizdad in Algeria.
- Esperance Tunis: A well-rounded team performance with four different scorers.
The group stage continues to deliver drama, with the next round promising more fireworks as teams fight for qualification to the knockout stages.
