Defending champions Al Ahly began their quest for a record-extending 13th CAF Champions League title with a 4-2 win against Stade d’Abidjan of Côte d’Ivoire in Cairo on Tuesday.
Kahraba Mohamed “Afsha” Mandy and Hassan El Shehat both scored twice for the Egyptian giants while Kassoum Kone and Roger Assale netted for the visitors.
The win puts Al Ahly top of Group C ahead of South African side Orlando Pirates who defeated CR Belouizdad 2-1 in Algiers. Mohau Nkota scored twice for the Pirates and ensured CR Belouizdad suffered a first home loss in the competition since April last year.
Meanwhile, 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a frustrating goalless draw at home against tournament debutants Maniema Union of Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B. The other group match saw FAR Rabat defeat Raja Casablanca 2-0 in Morocco.
In Group D, Egypt’s Pyramids scored four second-half goals to thrash Sagrada of Angola 5-1. While last season’s runners-up Esperance of Tunisia outclassed Malian side Djoliba AC 4-0.
Sudanese side Al-Hilal Omdurman stunned Young Africans 2-0 away from home in Group A. The result extends the joy of Sudanese football which recently celebrated the national team’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In the group’s other match, five-time winner, TP Mazembe played out a 0-0 draw with Algeria’s MC Alger.
The second round of group matches will be played between December 6-8.
