Sundowns, Al Ahly, Yanga Begin CAF Champions League Group Stage with Strong Home Wins

Sundowns, Al Ahly, Yanga Begin CAF Champions League Group Stage with Strong Home Wins

By Admin 

The CAF Champions League group stage kicked off on Saturday with assertive victories for Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Young Africans, while Esperance were held at home by a resilient Stade Malien, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In Pretoria, Sundowns, semi-finalists last season and favourites to top Group C overcame a momentary setback to secure a 3–1 win over DR Congo’s St Éloi Lupopo. Nuno Santos delivered a standout performance, scoring twice as the South African champions asserted their dominance.

Sundowns struck early when Santos finished off an intricate move involving Miguel Reisinho in the fifth minute. Lupopo, however, clawed back into the contest shortly before halftime, with Wanet Kashala punishing a defensive lapse to level the score.

The hosts regained control after the break. Marcelo Allende restored Sundowns’ lead in the 61st minute following another combination with the influential Santos. Substitute Arthur Sales then provided the assist for Santos’ second goal in the 77th minute, sealing a confident opening victory. Yellow cards for Aubrey Modiba and Kashala punctuated an otherwise controlled performance by Sundowns.

In Dar es Salaam, Young Africans claimed a hard-fought 1–0 win over Moroccan giants FAR Rabat in a tense Group B clash. Playing at a neutral venue, the Tanzanian champions relied on discipline and defensive organisation to secure three points.

After a cagey first half, Yanga made the breakthrough in the 58th minute when Prince Dube reacted quickest in the box to steer home the decisive goal. FAR mounted significant late pressure, with Khabba and Tagnaouti cautioned during the push, but Yanga—led by strong performances from Mpia and Kouma held firm to secure a crucial opening victory in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.

In Cairo, Al Ahly began their campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 4–1 victory over JS Kabylie. Trezeguet opened the scoring in the 36th minute, finishing from a Zizo pass, before Mohamed Sherif doubled the lead three minutes later following impressive work by Achraf Bencharki.

Kabylie reduced the deficit early in the second half via an unfortunate own goal by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, but Ahly quickly reasserted control. Trezeguet added his second in the 84th minute, and a late own goal from Mohamed Hadid sealed a commanding win for the reigning African giants.

Elsewhere, Esperance were frustrated by a disciplined Stade Malien side in a goalless draw in Tunis. Despite dominating possession and creating several late opportunities, the Tunisian champions were unable to break down their organised opponents. Bookings for Jelassi and Bode reflected rising frustration as the visitors held firm for a valuable point.

The opening round of fixtures underlines Sundowns’, Al Ahly’s and Yanga’s strong early intentions, while Esperance face immediate pressure in a group where every point will be vital.