CAF Champions League Round of 16: Mixed Results in First Leg as Al Ahly and Sétif Face Challenges
The first legs of the CAF Champions League round of 16 took place this weekend, with several surprises and notable performances across Africa. As the competition heats up, the 16 teams involved experienced a variety of fortunes, setting the stage for dramatic return legs.
One of the biggest upsets came with Al Ahly’s 1-0 loss to Moghreb Tetouan in Morocco. The Egyptian giants will now have to overcome a one-goal deficit in the second leg to keep their title hopes alive. In contrast, Entente Sportive de Sétif, the defending champions, fought hard to secure a 2-2 draw away at Raja Casablanca. Striker Mohamed Benyettou was the hero for the Algerians, scoring both goals to earn his team a crucial away point.
Meanwhile, USM Alger showed strength at home, defeating AS Kaloum of Guinea 2-1, giving themselves a good chance of advancing in the return leg.
Al Hilal of Sudan also put in an impressive performance, securing a 1-0 win on the road against Sanga Balende of the DR Congo, thanks to a goal from Saif Ali.
Tout Puissant Mazembe of DR Congo were held to a 2-2 draw by Stade Malien in Bamako, while El Eulma of Algeria managed to edge past Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia 1-0. Al Merrikh of Sudan also earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
With many teams still in the hunt for a spot in the quarter-finals, the return legs promise to be thrilling, with some clubs needing to overturn deficits and others looking to protect narrow leads.
CAF Champions League Round of 16 First Leg Results:
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El Eulma (ALG) 1-0 Club Sportif Sfaxien (TUN)
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Al Merrikh (SUD) 1-0 Esperance Sportive de Tunis (TUN)
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Sanga Balende (COD) 0-1 Al Hilal (SUD)
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AC Leopards (CGO) 1-0 Smouha (EGY)
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USM Alger (ALG) 2-1 Kaloum (GUI)
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Raja Casablanca (MAR) 2-2 Entente Sportive de Sétif (ALG)
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Moghreb Tetouan (MAR) 1-0 Al Ahly (EGY)
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Stade Malien (MLI) 2-2 TP Mazembe (DRC)
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on the return legs, where the margin for error is slim, and every goal counts.
