South African trio reach CAF Champions League group stage

Three South African players have helped their clubs secure places in the CAF Champions League group stage after a decisive round of second-leg victories.

Simba SC, featuring former Sekhukhune United striker Keletso Makgalwa, completed a commanding 9-1 aggregate win over Angola’s 15 de Agosto on Sunday.

The Tanzanian champions broke the deadlock after half-time through Anicet Oura, before Makgalwa added a second. Elie Mpanzu then completed the scoring as Simba SC confirmed their progress in emphatic fashion.

Al Hilal Omdurman also advanced after beating competition debutants Sidama Bunna 2-0 in the second leg to prevail 4-0 on aggregate.

The Sudanese side, who had won the first meeting, extended their advantage late in the opening half. Ernest Sita scored before Mohamed Abdelrahman struck on the stroke of half-time.

There were no further goals, allowing Al Hilal Omdurman to complete a comfortable aggregate victory and claim their place in the lucrative group stage.

Club Africain eliminate five-time champions

Five-time winners TP Mazembe were knocked out after a 1-0 defeat by Club Africain at Stade Olympique Hammadi in Rades.

The Congolese side had been held 1-1 at home in the first leg, leaving them needing an outright victory to remain in the competition. Club Africain took advantage of that result, with Taddeus Nkeng scoring the decisive goal at the end of the first half.

Club Africain progressed 2-1 on aggregate.

Colombe Sportive reached the group stage for the first time by beating Teungueth 1-0 in their second-leg meeting.

The Cameroonian debutants had already established a strong position with a 2-0 victory in the first leg, leaving the Senegalese side with a significant deficit to overturn. Priso Eyango scored in the first minute to secure another win for Colombe Sportive and a 3-0 aggregate success.

Maghreb Fez and Nouadhibou advance

Moroccan champions Maghreb Fez defeated Asec Mimosas 2-1 in Abidjan to return to the group stage.

The visitors included South Africans Devon Titus and Tshegofatso Mabasa and faced a difficult task after drawing the first leg at home. Christopher Ibayi put the Ivorian champions ahead in the second half, but Kevin Bakare equalised before Khalid Baba completed the turnaround.

In the other tie, Mauritanian champions Nouadhibou overturned their first-leg deficit by beating San Pedro 2-0. Kartier Dembele opened the scoring and Cheikh Hattab added the second eight minutes after the interval, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

San Pedro had been appearing in the tournament for only the second time.