CAF Champions League: Al Merrikh Stage Dramatic Comeback to Defeat MC El Eulma
Sudanese side Al Merrikh pulled off a remarkable comeback on Saturday evening, defeating MC El Eulma 3–2 away from home in a dramatic CAF Champions League group stage encounter.
Already qualified for the semi-finals following ES Sétif’s loss to USM Alger the previous day, Al Merrikh entered the tie without pressure. However, it was MC El Eulma who took early control, racing to a 2–0 lead by half-time, thanks to goals from Younes Kadri (14th minute) and Abdelmalek Abbes (26th).
But the second half saw a complete reversal of fortunes. Hadou Ala’ pulled one back in the 67th minute, and just three minutes later, Boubeker Bakari drew the visitors level. In stoppage time, Al Merrikh completed their comeback from the penalty spot to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory.
Speaking after the match, Al Merrikh coach Diego Garzitto acknowledged his team’s poor start: “My team was very bad in the first half. I demanded the players to score three goals. This was achieved thanks to the physical strength of the players and the good refereeing as well.”
With this win, Al Merrikh underlined their dominance in the group, while MC El Eulma, still winless, are left to salvage pride in their final match — a derby clash with Aigle Noir that carries no bearing on the standings.
