Rulani guides Rampant Pyramids to CAFCL group stages
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffPyramids FC hammered El Merriekh Bentiu 4-0 in the second preliminary round second-leg and advanced to the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
Rhulani Mokwena’s boys were out firing on all cylinders right as Abdelrahman Magdi bagged a brace ahead of the half-hour mark in the first half and extended their overall advantage in the clash.
It continued to go the way of the Egyptian giants who registered a third goal on the stroke of halftime courtesy of Mostafa Fathi.
Algerian Nadir Benbouali completed the rout late in the second half to ensure an emphatic aggregate victory.
Esperance squeeze into group stages
Esperance overturned the first-leg defeat to claim a 3-1 win on penalties against Asswehly in the second preliminary round second-leg after a 1-1 outcome on aggregate.
After the controversial defeat in the first-leg last Sunday, the Taraj came with their tails between the legs but got stuck eight minutes on the clock as Imad Faraj bagged the opener.
The debutants were able to regroup and avoided more goals, but succumbed on a post-match penalties as the four-time champions showed a nerve of steel to reach the lucrative group stages.
Zamalek edge past APR
Egyptian champions Zamalek advanced to the group stages with a 1-0 win over APR FC and a 2-0 success on aggregate in their second preliminary round second-leg clash in Cairo.
A first minute finish from Ahmed Sherif set the White Knights on their way and in further control on aggregate – leaving the Rwandan giants on the back-foot.
In the end, the five-time champions emerged triumphant and advanced to the group stages of the continent’s top club competition 2-0 on aggregate.
Horoya stun Al Merreikh
Al Merreikh SC became the latest big-name to crash out of the Champions League on penalties to AC Horoya SC.
The Sudanese giants were on the back-foot after losing the first-leg, but managed to level matters and get back in the overall clash following Mohamed Qabbani’s strike late in the second half.
As it remained level on aggregate, the match was settled on penalties and the Guinean champions proved superior to progress to the group stages.