CAIRO – Pyramids FC of Egypt and Algeria’s JS Kabyle earned valuable draws against Moroccan opponents RS Berkane and AS FAR, respectively, while Tunisia’s Esperance claimed a crucial home victory over Tanzania’s Simba on Matchday 3 of the CAF Champions League group stage.
RS Berkane 0 – 0 Pyramids FC
RS Berkane and Pyramids FC played out a tense 0-0 draw in a closely contested CAF encounter, with both sides creating chances but failing to find a decisive breakthrough.
The Moroccan hosts came closest to scoring in the second half when Zinedine Machach struck the right post with a powerful effort from outside the box in the 87th minute.
Earlier, Oussama Lamlioui and Ayoub Khairi also tested Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, who made a fine save to deny Lamlioui in the first half.
Pyramids had their own opportunities, notably through Fiston Mayele, whose close-range effort was well saved by RS Berkane goalkeeper Mehdi Maftah, while Mahmoud Zalaka and Ahmed Atef both went close with efforts that narrowly missed the target.
The match was physical and tactical, with several fouls, yellow cards, and injury stoppages interrupting the rhythm.
Both coaches made multiple substitutions in search of a winner, but neither attack could break down the disciplined defensive lines.
After seven minutes of added time, the referee brought the game to an end with the scoreboard unchanged.
The goalless draw reflects the balance between two well-organised sides, setting up an intriguing return leg as both teams remain firmly in contention.
Kabylie 0–0 AS FAR
JS Kabylie and AS FAR played out to a goalless draw (0–0) at the Martyr Hussein Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou in a tough Group B encounter.
Aymen Mahious and Riyad Bouddebouz tried to put pressure on the Moroccan defense, but AS FAR’s low block remained solid and well organised.
The Moroccan response came through Zakaria Hadraf, who broke through the Kabylie defense in the 27th minute. One-on-one with goalkeeper Gaïa Merbah, he was denied by a decisive save.
The second half followed the same pattern, with both teams searching for an opening but unable to make the difference.
In the 55th minute, Bouddebouz tried his luck again with a powerful shot, but AS FAR goalkeeper El Khayati made a fine save.
JS Kabylie and AS FAR therefore part without a winner. Both teams are now under pressure and will have to react quickly in the coming matches if they want to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Espérance 1–0 Simba
Espérance Sportive de Tunis did what was necessary by beating Simba SC (1–0) at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, during Matchday 3 of Group D of the group stage.
The only goal of the match was scored by Jacques Diarra in the 21st minute. It was enough to secure three precious points for the “Blood and Gold,” who now lead Group D with 5 points.
This was Espérance’s first victory in the group stage after two previous draws. Simba SC, on the other hand, remain without a win and sit at the bottom of the group with zero points.
Overall dominant, the Tunisians could have increased the score but lacked precision in the final touch and made a few rushed decisions. Simba SC never really managed to break through Espérance’s solid defensive organisation, despite a few attempts.
Dynamos 0-0 Rivers
Power Dynamos and Rivers United claimed their first points of the CAF Champions League group stage after playing out a goalless draw in Ndola, a result that keeps both sides rooted to the bottom of Group A at the halfway point of the competition.
The stalemate at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium came after both teams had lost their opening two matches, leaving them desperate to kick-start their campaigns.
Despite the urgency, neither side was able to find the breakthrough in a contest marked more by caution than cutting edge.
Power Dynamos, backed by home support, showed greater intent in the early stages and tried to impose themselves through quick transitions and balls into the channels.
Rivers United, however, remained compact and disciplined, limiting clear chances and slowing the tempo whenever pressure mounted.
