CAIRO — In a fiercely contested CAF Champions League Group D encounter, Egypt’s Pyramids FC triumphed with a 2-1 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance, last season’s runners-up, securing all three points.
At Cairo’s June 30 Stadium, a goalless first half set the stage for an intense second period, with the visitors breaking the deadlock in the 56th minute through Mohamed Belaili.
Just as victory seemed within reach for the Tunisians, Mostafa Fathi struck an equalizer in the 90th minute, igniting the hosts’ momentum.
In stoppage time, Ibrahim Adel delivered a dramatic winner, sealing a thrilling victory for Pyramids FC.
Pyramids’ dramatic win places them level with table leaders Esperance, both on seven points.
Algeria’s CS Constantine cruised to a resounding 4-0 victory over Bravos do Maquis of Angola to go top of Group A.
Miloud Rebiai, along with Tosin Omoyele secured a two-goal cushion ahead of the break, before Abdennour Belhocini and Dadi El Hocine Mouaki’s late strikes concluded a commanding victory for the Algerians who reclaimed their top spot from Simba AC.
This marks the Algerians’ third victory from four matches, while Bravos will be disappointed to lose ground in what looks like a tightly contested race to the knockout stages in the group.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s RS Berkane has become the first side to secure qualification to the knockout stages of the competition, following their narrow 1 – 0 victory on the road against Stade Malien.
Berkane, who lifted the title twice have officially earned the title contenders tag this season, as they aim to finish the group stages with a record clean sweep of points enroute to a third title.
The Moroccans lifted the title in the 2019/20 season and again in the 2021/22 season after surrendering the title to fellow Moroccan side, Raja AC.
In a simultaneous Group D fixture, Sagrada Esperanca edged Djoliba 1-0 to gain ground with a much-needed victory.
The two results see Esperance and Pyramids tied at the top, while Sagrada follows on 5 points ahead of Djoliba who remained on 2 points and in danger of missing out of a place in the knockout stages.
Orlando Pirates of South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat Stade d’Abidjan of Côte d’Ivoire 3-0 in their Group C clash at Orlando Stadium.
The victory takes Orlando Pirates to eight points, one ahead of Al-Ahly of Egypt, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Belouizdad of Algeria Friday.
Belouizdad sit in third place with six points, while Stade d’Abidjan remained bottom with a single point.
With two matches left in the group stage, Pirates is well-positioned for quarter-final qualification. They will next face Al-Ahly in Cairo in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
The result elevated the South African side to the top of the group standings with two matches remaining.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Relebohile Mofokeng slotted a composed finish into the centre of the net after being set up by Mohau Nkota.
Pirates controlled the tempo throughout the first half, heading into the break with a 1-0 advantage, cafonline.com reported.
The Buccaneers doubled their lead early in the second half through Patrick Maswanganyi, who found the bottom left corner after receiving another precise assist from Nkota.
With Stade d’Abidjan struggling to create clear opportunities, Pirates maintained their momentum.
Deon Hotto sealed the victory in the 85th minute, scoring from close range to cap off a fast break.
The visitors rarely threatened Orlando Pirates’ defence, as the South African outfit secured their second win of the group stage.
Earlier, Young Africans (Yanga) delivered a spirited comeback to defeat TP Mazembe 3-1 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium keeping their CAF Champions League hopes alive.
The victory sees the Tanzanian side move to third place in Group A with four points, while Mazembe sit bottom with just two points.
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