Mamelodi Sundowns delivered an exceptional performance last Saturday in Pretoria during the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals. The South African giants dismantled Egyptian side Al Ahly with a resounding 5-0 victory, leaving the continental runners-up stunned. Goals from Themba Zwane, Wayne Arendse, Ricardo Nascimento (penalty), Gaston Sirino, and Phakamani Mahlambi highlighted the Sundowns’ dominance. With this commanding win, the South Africans have taken a giant step toward securing a place in the semi-finals, putting themselves in a highly favorable position ahead of the return leg in Cairo.
Elsewhere in Tanzania, Simba SC and TP Mazembe played out a tense goalless draw in Dar es Salaam. Despite enjoying strong support from their home fans, Simba were unable to break through a resilient TP Mazembe defense, with the Congolese club showing tactical discipline and keeping their hopes alive for the return leg in Lubumbashi. Both teams will now approach the second leg knowing that any lapse in concentration could be decisive.
In Conakry, Horoya AC and Wydad Athletic Club also ended the first leg with a 0-0 stalemate. The Guinean side fought valiantly on home soil, but Wydad’s defensive organization ensured that the Red Devils would return to Morocco with everything still to play for. The result sets up a high-stakes return match in Casablanca, where Wydad will aim to capitalize on home advantage to secure a semi-final berth.
Meanwhile, Espérance de Tunis edged past CS Constantine in Algeria with a thrilling 3-2 victory. The Tunisian champions fell behind twice to goals from Adil Djabout and Nassim Yattou but responded with clinical finishing from Youcef Belaili (penalty), Fousseyni Coulibaly, and Mohamed Ali Yacoubi. This narrow victory allows Espérance to travel to Tunis with confidence, knowing they hold the upper hand in this closely contested quarter-final.
The first legs of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals have highlighted both dominance and resilience across the continent. Mamelodi Sundowns’ crushing win demonstrates their attacking firepower, while TP Mazembe and Wydad AC have showcased tactical discipline in away fixtures. Espérance de Tunis, with their narrow victory, have ensured that the return leg will be a test of nerves and precision.
All return matches are scheduled for next weekend, promising intense battles as each team fights for a place in the semi-finals of Africa’s premier club competition.
First Leg Results:
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Simba SC 0-0 TP Mazembe
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Mamelodi Sundowns 5-0 Al Ahly SC [Themba Zwane, Wayne Arendse, Ricardo Nascimento (pen), Gaston Sirino, Phakamani Mahlambi]
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Horoya AC 0-0 Wydad AC
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CS Constantine 2-3 Espérance Tunis [Adil Djabout, Nassim Yattou || Youcef Belaili (pen), Fousseyni Coulibaly, Mohamed Ali Yacoubi]
