CAIRO – Reigning CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC brought their group-stage campaign to a commanding close with an emphatic victory over Zambia’s Power Dynamos.
The Egyptian side’s triumph secured top spot in Group A, with Morocco’s RS Berkane finishing second after overcoming Rivers United of Nigeria to seal their own passage into the knockout rounds of the CAF Champions League.
Pyramids FC 3–1 Dynamos
Pyramids FC wrapped up their CAF Champions League group-stage campaign with a commanding 3–1 victory over Power Dynamos on Matchday 6.
The reigning African champions made a fast start and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Mostafa Ziko rose highest to head home from a corner, giving the hosts an early advantage.
Power Dynamos responded positively and drew level just a minute later as Frederick Mulambia finished from close range following a well-worked cross.
Pyramids regained control midway through the first half. In the 33rd minute, Youssef Obama reacted quickest inside the box to restore the lead, sending the home side into the break with a 2–1 advantage.
The second half saw Power Dynamos push for an equaliser, but they were repeatedly denied by a well-organised Pyramids defence. The decisive moment arrived in the 59th minute when Ewerton struck a superb right-footed effort from outside the area, finding the bottom corner to make it 3–1.
Despite late pressure and several substitutions from both sides, Pyramids managed the closing stages comfortably, seeing out the match to secure all three points and finish the group stage at the summit.
RS Berkane 3–0 Rivers
RS Berkane delivered a dominant performance to defeat Rivers United 3–0.
The Moroccan hosts asserted their authority early, opening the scoring in the 35th minute when Youssef Mehri fired into the bottom corner after a swift attacking move.
Berkane continued to dictate play and doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, with Paul Valère Bassene finishing clinically after a precise through ball from Mounir Chouiar.
United struggled to cope with Berkane’s intensity and went into halftime trailing 2–0.
The home side sealed the result shortly after the restart. In the 53rd minute, Bassène struck again, this time converting from close range following a corner to complete his brace and put the contest beyond doubt.
Berkane controlled possession for the remainder of the match, limiting Rivers United to long-range efforts and half-chances, before comfortably seeing out a convincing 3–0 victory to conclude their group-stage campaign in style.
Both Pyramids and Berkane advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
Al-Hilal 1-0 Lupopo
In Omdurman, Al-Hilal knew victory would guarantee first place regardless of events elsewhere. They took control midway through the first half when Stephen Ebola struck in the 26th minute, firing a powerful low effort beyond the Lupopo goalkeeper to settle nerves inside the stadium.
The contest was far from straightforward. Mohamed Abdel Rahman Gharbal had earlier appealed for a penalty in the 18th minute after going down inside the area, but play was waved on.
Lupopo’s challenge grew harder just before half-time when Bedi Junior was sent off for a second yellow card after pulling an opponent’s shirt.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Congolese side thought they had equalised in the 72nd minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Moments later, Hilal was reduced to ten men themselves when Salah Adel received a red card in the 76th minute, setting up a tense finale.
However, the Sudanese side held firm to preserve their narrow advantage and confirm qualification as group winners.
