CAF Champions League: North African clubs suffer setbacks as Sudan’s Al Hilal pick crucial away win

Morocco’s MAS Fes were denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser against Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas, while Tunisia’s Esperance and Algeria’s Mouloudia Algiers suffered defeats in a disappointing night for several North African sides in the CAF Champions League.

MAS Fes were held to a 1-1 draw at home on Sunday, after ASEC Mimosas scored in the 90+3 minute to rescue a share of the spoils in the first leg of their round-of-32 tie.

Osama Nour El-Din had put the Moroccan side ahead in the 31st minute, raising hopes of a home victory before Sohalio Bamba struck late to silence the home supporters.

The result leaves MAS Fes with work to do in the return leg as they seek to progress in the continental competition.

Esperance stunned by Al-Suwaihli

Tunisia’s Esperance suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat against Libya’s Al-Suwaihli.

Ayoub Ayyad scored the decisive goal in the 64th minute from the penalty spot, giving the Libyan side an important advantage from the first leg.

Esperance will now need to respond in the return fixture to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Mouloudia Algiers lose in Nigeria

Algerian side Mouloudia Algiers also endured a difficult outing, losing 2-0 away to Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers.

The defeat leaves Mouloudia facing a challenging task in the return leg as they attempt to overturn the deficit and remain in contention.

Sudanese sides experience contrasting fortunes

Sudan’s Al-Merreikh were beaten 1-0 by Guinea’s Horoya Conakry.

Yaguba Bari scored the only goal of the match in the 45th minute, handing Horoya an advantage ahead of the return fixture.

Al Hilal, however, delivered a more positive result for Sudanese football, defeating Ethiopia’s Sidama Bouna 2-0 away from home.

An own goal in the 11th minute gave Al Hilal an early lead before Mohammed Abdul Rahman added a second in the 90th minute to secure the victory.

The result puts Al Hilal in a stronger position heading into the return leg, while Al-Merreikh must recover from their narrow defeat.

North African clubs face pressure in return legs

The results left MAS Fes, Esperance and Mouloudia Algiers with different challenges ahead of their respective return fixtures.

MAS Fes must recover from the disappointment of conceding late against ASEC Mimosas, while Esperance and Mouloudia Algiers will be looking to overturn their first-leg deficits.