Pyramids FC and Simba SC reach CAF Champions League second round

Pyramids FC advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League with a 5-1 victory over Kenyan champions Gor Mahia on Sunday, completing a 7-1 aggregate win.

Rhulani Mokwena’s side began the second leg with a 2-0 advantage from last weekend’s opening match and quickly took control of the tie.

Walid El Karti opened the scoring before Nasser Maher and Youssef Obama added further goals in quick succession during the first half. Gor Mahia responded through Paul Okoth, but the Kenyan champions were unable to prevent Pyramids from restoring their authority after the break.

Mostafa Zico and Mahmoud Zalaka scored late in the match to give the Egyptian club a comprehensive victory and confirm their place in the next preliminary round.

Simba ease through

Simba SC also secured their progression with a convincing 6-1 win over Mighty Wanderers in the second leg at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Tanzanian club had only a 1-0 lead from the first leg, but produced a dominant performance on home soil to win 7-1 on aggregate.

Clatous Chama scored twice as Simba moved three goals ahead inside the opening 35 minutes. Lamine Gueye added the other goal during that spell, putting Steve Barker’s side firmly in control.

Mighty Wanderers reduced the deficit just before half-time when Clement Nyondo converted, but Simba continued to press after the interval.

Gueye scored his second goal in the 69th minute, while South African striker Keletso Makgalwa added his first goal for the club in the 88th minute.

Morice Abraham completed the scoring in second-half stoppage time, sealing a resounding victory for Simba and their place in the second preliminary round.

Rivers United eliminated

Rivers United were knocked out in the first preliminary round after drawing 3-3 over two legs with FC San Pedro and losing on the away-goal rule.

The first match ended 1-1 a week earlier, but FC San Pedro made the stronger start in the return fixture. The Ivorian side scored twice early in the first half to establish a commanding position.

Rivers United responded before the interval, with Chijioke Mbaoma scoring from the penalty spot. The Nigerian team later levelled the scores, but FC San Pedro held on to their advantage under the away-goal rule.

The Ivorian club therefore progressed to the second preliminary round, while Rivers United’s campaign ended at the opening stage.