The CAF Champions League group stage produced a modest but decisive return of goals on Matchday Three, as individual moments proved enough to shape results across the continent by the close of play on Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Across the eight fixtures played in the four groups, just 10 goals were scored, with three matches ending goalless. Yet despite the low tally, several players delivered performances that placed them at the centre of attention and at the top of the scoring charts.
Only two players managed to score more than once on the third matchday.
Egypt international Mahmoud Trézéguet was the standout performer, hitting a brace for Al Ahly in their encounter with Young Africans.
His goals proved decisive and underlined his importance to the Cairo giants as they continue their push for qualification from the group stage.
Trézéguet was matched by Abdelrazig Omer, who also struck twice for Al Hilal SC in their clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Sudanese forward’s efficiency in front of goal ensured his side kept pace in a tightly contested group, where margins are already proving to be fine.
While braces were rare, a number of players found the net once on a matchday where timing often made the difference.
One of the most dramatic moments came through Michael Kimputu, whose penalty deep into added time secured victory for FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo against MC Alger.
His late intervention was the only goal of the match and highlighted how decisive single actions have been in this phase of the competition.
Mamelodi Sundowns were represented twice on the scoresheet, with Arthur Sales and Teboho Mokoena each registering a goal, underlining the South African side’s spread of attacking options.
ES Tunis saw Jack Diarra get his name among the scorers, while Stade Malien benefited from goals by Taddeus Nkeng and Mamadou Traoré as they continued their strong start to the group stage.
As the tournament heads beyond its midway point, the scoring chart remains tight, reflecting the balanced nature of the competition.
With defences largely on top so far, forwards who have already made their mark could prove decisive as the battle for qualification intensifies.
Top scorers after matchday 3
Two goals:
Mahmoud Trézéguet (Al Ahly)
Abdelrazig Omer (Al Hilal SC)
One goal:
Arthur Sales (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Michael Kimputu (FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo)
Jack Diarra (ES Tunis)
Taddeus Nkeng (Stade Malien)
Mamadou Traoré (Stade Malien)
