CAF Champions League Matchday 4: Al Hilal Advances, Al Ahly Stunned
The excitement of the CAF Champions League continued in Matchday 4, bringing thrilling matches across Africa. As teams fought hard for their places in the knockout stages, Al Hilal of Sudan emerged as the first team to secure their spot, while Al Ahly faced a shocking defeat that tightens the race for the quarter-finals.
Group A: Al Hilal Makes History, Yanga Keeps Hopes Alive
In a pivotal clash, Al Hilal Omdurman secured their place in the knockout stage with a 1-1 draw against MC Alger, maintaining an impressive lead at the top of Group A. With this result, Al Hilal now sits on 10 points, five ahead of second-placed MC Alger, marking their first quarter-final appearance since 2015.
Meanwhile, Young Africans kept their hopes alive with a stunning 3-1 comeback victory over TP Mazembe in Dar es Salaam. After falling behind to an early penalty from Alioune Faty, the Tanzanian side responded with a brace from Clement Mzize and a late goal from Aziz Ki.
Group B: FAR Rabat Stays Strong
FAR Rabat solidified their position in Group B with a 2-0 victory over Maniema Union, thanks to goals from Khalid Aït Ouarkhane and El Amine Zouhzouh. In a heated encounter, Raja Casablanca edged Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0, with Benaissa Benamar’s goal being the difference. The match featured three red cards, adding to the drama. FAR Rabat leads the group with eight points, while Sundowns and Raja follow closely behind.
Group C: Orlando Pirates Dominate, Al Ahly Stunned
Orlando Pirates seized control of Group C with a commanding 3-0 win against Stade d’Abidjan, powered by goals from Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Deon Hotto. In a shocking turn of events, CR Belouizdad ended Al Ahly’s unbeaten run with a late 1-0 victory in Algiers, propelling them into second place with six points, just behind the Pirates.
Group D: Pyramids and Esperance Battle for Supremacy
In Group D, Pyramids secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Esperance in Cairo, tying the Tunisians at the top of the standings, both teams now boasting seven points. Sagrada Esperança kept their knockout hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Djoliba, sitting closely behind on five points.
Matchday 4 Results
Group A
– Al-Hilal Omdurman 1-1 MC Alger
– Young Africans 3-1 TP Mazembe
Group B
– FAR Rabat 2-0 Maniema Union
– Raja Casablanca 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Group C
– Orlando Pirates 3-0 Stade d’Abidjan
– CR Belouizdad 1-0 Al Ahly
Group D
– Pyramids 2-1 Esperance
– Sagrada Esperança 1-0 Djoliba
Group Standings
Group A
- Al-Hilal Omdurman – 10 pts
- MC Alger – 5 pts
- Young Africans – 4 pts
- TP Mazembe – 2 pts
Group B
- FAR Rabat – 8 pts
- Mamelodi Sundowns – 5 pts
- Raja Casablanca – 4 pts
- Maniema Union – 3 pts
Group C
- Orlando Pirates – 8 pts
- CR Belouizdad – 6 pts
- Al Ahly – 7 pts
- Stade d’Abidjan – 1 pt
Group D
- Pyramids – 7 pts
- Esperance – 7 pts
- Sagrada Esperança – 5 pts
- Djoliba – 2 pts
Matchday 5 Fixtures
Group A
– MC Alger vs. TP Mazembe
– Al-Hilal Omdurman vs. Young Africans
Group B
– Maniema vs. Mamelodi Sundowns
– FAR Rabat vs. Raja Casablanca
Group C
– Stade d’Abidjan vs. Al Ahly
– Orlando Pirates vs. CR Belouizdad
Group D
– Sagrada Esperança vs. Pyramids
– Djoliba vs. Esperance
