The African Football Champions League (LDC) group stage witnessed intense competition on Tuesday as clubs vied for supremacy. In a compelling display, ASEC Mimosas secured their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament with a resounding victory, marking their third consecutive win in four matches during the group phase.
The Ivorian team exhibited prowess on the field, commencing their victory with a goal from Avo Leibé Junior in the 11th minute. Subsequent goals from Essis Aka (80th minute) and the returning Sankara Karamoko (90th+1 minute) sealed a convincing 3-0 triumph.
Coach Abdelhak Benchikh’s Tanzanian club Simba also clinched a notable win, overcoming Wydad 2-0 with both goals scored by Cameroonian Leandre Willy Essomba Onana in the 36th and 38th minutes.
In Group A, Mamelodi Sundowns secured a pivotal victory against the Egyptians Pyramids in Cairo, triumphing 1-0. This win propelled them to the top of the standings with 7 points, joining TP Mazembe. Meanwhile, TP Mazembe secured a 2-0 victory against Nouadhibou.
Group C witnessed an impressive performance by Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis, achieving a commendable draw against Petro in Luanda with a 0-0 stalemate.
The Angolan team faced an exceptional Tunisian defense, guided by the brilliant goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche. In another match, Sudanese club Al Hilal faced a 1-1 draw against Étoile du Sahel.
Despite Pape Ndiaye’s opening goal for Al Hilal in the 45th+3 minute, Salah Barhoumi’s late equalizer in added time (90th+2 minute) leveled the score.
With this round of matches, Petro Luanda leads Group C with 8 points, placing them in a robust position for qualification in the subsequent stages of the competition.
The resolute performances of Esperance de Tunis and Étoile du Sahel further solidify their standing in the CAF Champions League.
