Mouloudia Algiers complete Champions League turnaround as Petro Atletico also progress

Mouloudia Algiers scored in the second minute of stoppage time to overturn a first-leg deficit against Enugu Rangers and reach the CAF Champions League group stage.

The Algerian side beat their Nigerian visitors 3-0 at the 5 July Stadium on Friday, overturning a 2-0 defeat from the first leg and advancing 3-2 on aggregate.

Mouloudia began under pressure to erase the two-goal deficit, but they had to wait until the second half to make the breakthrough. Chahreddine Boukhelada opened the scoring in the 58th minute, reviving the hosts’ hopes of completing the comeback.

The home crowd erupted again six minutes from time when Guinean forward Mohamed Salou Bangoura scored Mouloudia’s second goal, bringing the tie level on aggregate.

With extra time appearing likely, substitute Sofiane Bayazid settled the contest in the 90+2nd minute. His late strike sparked jubilant celebrations and secured Mouloudia Algiers a place in the group stage.

Petro Atletico overturn deficit

Petro Atletico also reached the group stage after producing a 3-0 home victory against Scottland FC of Zimbabwe.

The Angolan club had lost the first leg 2-0 but turned the tie around to progress 3-2 on aggregate.

Ruben Aderito put Petro Atletico ahead in the 19th minute before Jorge Pereira doubled their lead in the 67th minute. Pedro Aparicio completed the comeback with a decisive third goal in the 85th minute, confirming qualification for the Luanda-based side.

Welwitschia eliminate holders

Welwitschia SC caused one of the biggest surprises of the preliminary rounds by eliminating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns from the second preliminary round.

The Angolan club, competing in the competition for the first time in its history, drew 1-1 in the second leg of their tie to secure historic qualification. The first meeting in Angola had ended 0-0.

Mamelodi Sundowns took an early lead through Mataus in the 11th minute, but veteran striker Mabululu levelled for Welwitschia in the 49th minute.

Orlando Pirates ease through

Orlando Pirates ensured South Africa still had representation in the next round with a comfortable 4-0 win over Namibia’s African Stars.

The result completed a 5-0 aggregate victory after Orlando Pirates had also won the first leg.

Mokopodi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, while Evidence Makgopa struck twice, in the 45th and 77th minutes. Bademe added the fourth goal one minute after the restart as the South African club secured a convincing progression.