Young African mauls Medeama, and Asec Mimosas qualify for the Quarter-finals as Melodi Sundowns wins in Cairo.
1. Young Africans maul Medeama to win their first-ever game in the money zone of the CAF Champions League
It was a hell of an afternoon for Medeama SC as they were bruised and mauled by the impressive Young Africans in Tanzania. Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium witnessed a fantastic afternoon with Pacombe Zouzoua opening the scoring in the first half for Yanga. Mwamnyeto and Mudathiri added the second and third goals in the second half. It was Yanga’s first-ever win in the CAF Champions League Money Zone as they failed to win any of the six games they played in the group stages in the 1998 CAF Champions League.
2. Mamelodi Sundowns showed class in Cairo
It was a must-win match for both teams as Group A had all four teams on four points heading into matchday 4. A goalless draw in Pretoria in MD3 coupled with Fiston Mayele’s comeback gave Pyramids huge confidence in facing Masandawana in Egypt. A 17th-minute strike from Teboho Mokoena ensured Sundowns won 1-0 in Egypt. Sundowns have been excelling in North Africa recently as they always show class whenever it matters most. Pyramids are in a tight situation now as qualification for the Quarter-finals will be a huge task.
3. Asec Mimosas has qualified for the Quarter-finals
Asec Mimosas destroyed Jwaneng Galaxy by 3-0 in Abidjan to qualify for the knockout phase with two games to spare. The Ivorian giants opened the scoring through Avo Junior in the 11th minute. Aka Essis and the super-sub Sankara Karamoko ensured that Asec Mimosas qualified for the knockout phase. Asec Abidjan is the only team to qualify for the Quarter-finals with two games to spare.
4. Wydad Casablanca is still languishing at the bottom of Group B
Wydad Casablanca was beaten by Esomba Onana’s first-half brace in Tanzania. The Red Devils are surprisingly bottom of the group with just 3 points from the possible 12. Tunisian experienced gaffer Faouzi Benzarti couldn’t mark his debut as Wydad coach with a win. The job is now difficult for the Moroccans as there is only one slot to fight for because Asec Mimosas have qualified. Simba SC’s 2-0 win has revived their chances to qualify for the knockout phase.
5. Florent Ibenge’s side lacks concentration
Al Hilal lost 1-0 on matchday 3 in Tunisia thanks to Cameroonian midfielder Amour Mbe’s 88th-minute strike after squandering all the chances in the world. On matchday 4, Al Hilal took a first-half lead through Pape Ndiaye on the stroke of halftime. Salah Barhoumi delivered a knockout blow to the Sudanese as he equalised in the 92nd minute to spoil Florent Ibenge’s side party. Al Hilal has given Etoile du Sahel 4 points due to a lack of concentration in both games.
