This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF Orlando Pirates secured first place in Group C of the CAF Champions League by winning 2-1 against CR Belouizdad. Espérance de Tunis takes the lead in group D thanks to its victory over Djoliba. The South Africans made the difference in the first half thanks to Relebohile Mafokeng who closely followed a shot repelled by the Algerian goalkeeper (20th). In the second half, Thalente Mbatha doubled the lead, well served by Patrick Maswanganyi (61st). The reduction in Abderaouf Benguit’s score in stoppage time (90+2) did not change the fate of the match. Consequences in the ranking, Orlando Pirates (11 points) takes the lead and is qualified for the quarter-finals, Al Ahly (10 points) retains second place and is also qualified. CR Belouizdad (6 points) and Stade d’Abidjan (1 point) are eliminated. With this victory, Orlando Pirates confirms its domination in this group and positions itself as one of the favorites to win the competition. Espérance de Tunis wins in Bamako and takes the lead in group D In a decisive match for qualification for the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, Espérance Sportive de Tunis won on the pitch of Djoliba Athletic Club with a score of 0-1. This victory, acquired thanks to a goal from Elias Mokwana in the 67th minute, allows the Tunisians to take back the reins of group D. It was a decisive pass from Amine Ben Hamida which allowed Mokwana to open the scoring and to put his people on the path to success. Despite the attacks of the Malians at the end of the match, the score will remain there. With this victory, Esperance de Tunis now has 10 points, just like Pyramids FC. However, it is the better goal difference of the Tunisians which allows them to take the lead of the group. Both teams are already guaranteed to play in the quarter-finals. The last day will therefore be used to determine which club will finish at the top of this group. Sagrada Esperanca and Djoliba AC, with 5 and 2 points respectively, are eliminated from the competition. Young Africans revives the suspense by dominating Omdurman in group A In a match that looked balanced, it was Young Africans who struck first. In the 7th minute, Stéphane Aziz Ki opened the scoring with an unstoppable header, following a perfect cross from Dickson Job. This goal was enough for the happiness of the Tanzanians, who subsequently knew how to defend their advantage with intelligence and self-sacrifice. Despite this defeat, Al Hilal Omdurman retains the lead of the group with 10 points. MC Alger follows closely with 8 points, while Young Africans moves up to 3rd place with 7 points. TP Mazembe is already eliminated. This victory for Young Africans revives the suspense in this group. The Tanzanian club hosts MC Algiers on Saturday for the group final and will only qualify if they succeed against the Algerians. A draw, however, would be enough for Mouloudia to advance to the next stage.
