Group A delivered its verdict on the 6th and final day of the CAF Champions League on Friday March 1. In the race for 1st place, Al Ahly came out on top by beating Young Africans (1-0), while CR Belouizdad ended on a high, despite elimination, by beating Medeama (3-0).
Al Ahly at the top of the pyramid
The most successful club in the CAF Champions League puts an end to all suspense in Group A. On the final day, Al Ahly confirmed their supremacy with a 1-0 win over Young Africans. At kick-off, the Cairo club needed a point to be sure of finishing top of the group. But Percy Tau's team-mates gave their fans a better gift: victory. Following an overrun by the legend Ali Maâloul, he fed Hussein El Shahat perfectly (46th) to claim his 3rd win of the group phase. The result was enough to put them top of Group A with 12 points. As efficient as ever, Al Ahly scored just 6 goals, but were solid at the back, conceding just 1. The defeat is regrettable for Young Africans, but their objective is already assured with qualification for the quarter-finals of the CAF CL.
CR Belouizdad, a last victory for honor
It's been an eventful week for CR Belouizdad. Between the heavy defeat on the previous day against Young Africans (4-0) and the brawl between Guedioura and his coach Paqueta, the disappointing CAF CL campaign had to end on a high note. The message was well received by the players. Against Medeama, the Algerians sought to redeem themselves in front of their home fans.
Thanks to Abdelraouf Benguit (27th), Leonel Wamba (42nd) and Lamin Jallow (84th), CR Belouizdad beat Medeama 3-0 in a one-sided match. With 62% possession and over 11 shots attempted, the need to get back on track was there. In the end, however, CR Belouizdad (3rd, 8 points) will not see out the quarter-finals, despite having the same number of points as Young Africans.In direct confrontation, the Tanzanians are better, and this heavy defeat on Matchday 5 will leave the Algerians with many regrets. For Ghana's Medeama (4th, 4 points), they were no match with 4 defeats in Group A and 12 goals conceded. With just 1 win in all competitions in 2024, this team is flying high in the turbulence.
