Africa: Ahly, Esperance Secure Big Away Wins in First-Leg Clashes

16 September 2024
Confederation of African Football (Giza)

The reigning champions, Al Ahly of Egypt, and last season's runners-up, Tunisia's Esperance, both secured significant away victories in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Sunday.

Al Ahly Triumph Over Gor Mahia

Al Ahly, the current titleholders, returned with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Kenya's Gor Mahia in Nairobi.

The result sees the Egyptian side make a strong start to their campaign, as they aim to defend their continental crown and add another CAF Champions League title to their storied history.

Esperance Outclass Dekedaha

Esperance Tunis also enjoyed a comfortable win, defeating Somalia's Dekedaha 4-1.

The match, held at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, saw a standout performance from Youssef Belaili, who netted twice.

The victory gives Esperance a major advantage ahead of the second leg, also set to be played at the same venue next week, allowing them to approach the return fixture with greater ease.

Raja Casablanca Hold on for Draw Against Samartex

Meanwhile, Raja Casablanca of Morocco earned a crucial 2-2 draw away at Samartex in Ghana.

This result keeps Raja's hopes alive as they prepare for the return leg in Morocco, aiming to secure a place in the group stage and continue their continental campaign.

In a similarly hard-fought encounter, Côte d'Ivoire's San Pedro and Sudan's Al-Hilal ended their match with the same 2-2 scoreline.

Ivory Coast's Stade d'Abidjan in Command

In another fixture, Stade d'Abidjan from Côte d'Ivoire took a step towards qualification with a solid 2-0 win over Guinea's Milo FC, placing them in a favorable position to advance to the group stage when the sides meet again in the second leg.

Return Leg Dates Set for September 20-22

The second-leg matches of the CAF Champions League preliminary round are scheduled to take place between September 20 and 22.

Other Results from September 13-15:

Friday, September 13 Results:

  • Enugu Rangers 1-0 Sagrada Esperanca
  • US Monastir 1-0 MC Alger

Saturday, September 14 Results:

  • Ethiopian Commercial Bank FC 0-1 Young Africans
  • Red Arrows 0-2 TP Mazembe
  • Al-Merreikh 2-2 AS FAR Rabat
  • Jwaneng Galaxy 0-2 Orlando Pirates
  • Maniema Union 2-1 Petro de Luanda
  • Joliba FC 1-0 ASKO Kara
  • Customs FC (Burkina Faso) 1-0 CR Belouizdad
  • Mbabane Swallows 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns

Sunday, September 15 Results:

  • Gor Mahia 0-3 Al Ahly
  • Samartex 2-2 Raja Casablanca
  • San Pedro 2-2 Al-Hilal
  • Dekedaha 1-4 Esperance Tunis
  • Stade d'Abidjan 2-0 Milo FC

Read the original article on CAF.

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