CAF Champions League: Al Hilal seize advantage as first-round ties remain finely poised

Al Hilal Omdurman made one of the strongest starts in Saturday’s CAF Champions League preliminary-round action, winning 2-0 away to Aigle Noir as 12 first-leg matches produced a mixture of decisive victories, narrow wins and open contests.

The Sudanese side secured a valuable advantage on the road, while MangaSport also put themselves in a promising position by beating African Stars 3-1. Club Africain claimed a more slender lead, overcoming Djoliba AC 1-0 in a closely fought encounter.

Teungueth FC also returned from their away match with a positive result, defeating Canchungo 1-0. Al Merreikh recorded the same scoreline against Power Dynamos, leaving both winners with a one-goal cushion to defend in the second legs.

Several ties remain completely undecided after Saturday’s matches. San Pedro and Rivers United drew 1-1, while Vipers were held by Nouadhibou by the same score. Gaborone United and Young Africans also finished level at 1-1, ensuring that all three contests will be settled over the return fixtures.

There were goalless draws elsewhere. Aiglons were held 0-0 by Sidama Bunna, and Star Sport Academy drew with Medina United without either side finding the net. Those results leave the teams needing victory in the second leg to progress, unless another scoreless draw leads to a decision under the competition’s regulations.

CFFA enjoyed a 2-0 home win against Lijabatho, giving them a useful advantage before the return match. El Mer. Bentiu also began the tie with a victory, beating Heegan 1-0.

The first legs of the opening preliminary round will now be followed by a week of preparation before the return matches are played. The teams with leads will aim to protect them, while those who fell behind will need to overturn their deficits on home soil or away from home.

Saturday’s complete results were:

– Aigle Noir 0-2 Al Hilal Omdurman – El Mer. Bentiu 1-0 Heegan – CFFA 2-0 Lijabatho – Aiglons 0-0 Sidama Bunna – MangaSport 3-1 African Stars – FC Canchungo 0-1 Teungueth FC – San Pedro 1-1 Rivers United – Star Sport Academy 0-0 Medina United – Vipers 1-1 Nouadhibou – Al Merreikh 1-0 Power Dynamos – Gaborone United 1-1 Young Africans – Club Africain 1-0 Djoliba AC