In a thrilling series of matches, Sudanese clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, alongside Morocco's Fassi, and Tunisia's African Club, have successfully secured their places in the Round of 32 of the CAF Champions League. These teams showcased impressive performances in the preliminary rounds, capitalizing on their favorable results in the second leg of their respective encounters.
Al-Hilal of Sudan demonstrated their supremacy over Burundi's Aigle Noir, clinching a narrow victory with a score of 1-0, courtesy of a first-half goal from Mauritanian striker Ahmed Mubarak. This victory marked a total triumph for Al-Hilal, with an aggregate score of 4-0, following a resounding 3-0 win in the first leg.
Meanwhile, Al-Merrikh had a relatively easier path to qualification, as they once again defeated Zambia's Power Dynamos with a scoreline of 1-0. This result ensured their progression in the continental competition, wrapping up the tie with an aggregate score of 2-0.
In Burkina Faso, Morocco's Fassi managed to secure their qualification after holding their hosts, Rahimo, to a goalless draw. This result was sufficient for Fassi to advance, thanks to their commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg held in Fes. The Moroccan side approached the second leg with a comfortable advantage and skillfully neutralized the host's attempts, ending the match without conceding any goals, thus confirming their passage to the Round of 32 with an aggregate score of 4-1.
On the other hand, the Tunisian African Club returned from Mali with a ticket to the next round after drawing 2-2 with Djoliba. This result allowed the Tunisian side to secure their advancement with a total score of 3-2, following their 1-0 win in the first leg in Tunisia. Djoliba started the match on a strong note, with Abbas Koyta scoring the opener in the 16th minute. However, the African Club quickly equalized just two minutes later through Sadek Qadida. The Malian team regained the lead early in the second half with a goal from Fernand Arba in the 51st minute, but the African Club maintained their composure and equalized again in the 76th minute through Tados Nking. This goal effectively sealed their qualification, thwarting any hopes of a comeback from the home side.
Looking ahead, the African Club is set to face the Congolese powerhouse Mazembe in the Round of 32, posing a significant challenge for the Tunisian side as they aim to advance further in the prestigious tournament.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
