Three quarterfinals of the African Champions League were on the program this Saturday, April 22. And all the "Big Ones" were present except for Wydad who narrowly fell to Simba SC, in Tanzania.
Al Ahly sovereign at home
After a slow start in the group stage of the African Champions League, Al Ahly has stepped up its game. The Cairo team proved once again, that it remains a regular in this competition. In the quarterfinal first leg this Saturday, April 22, at the National Stadium in Cairo, in front of 50 thousand fans, the Reds Devils defeated the Moroccan of Raja 2-0. The lead is comfortable before the second leg. Mohamed Abdelmonem (47th) and Hamdi Fathi (84th) were the scorers. The domination of Al Ahly was clear in this game. The 64% of possession of the Egyptian team attests.
1ST LEG ✅
Here are the 2022/23 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL quarter-finals results! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/g7vdH0uE46
— TotalEnergies CAFCL - TotalEnergies CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 22, 2023
Mamelodi without mercy in Algeria
Mamelodi Sundowns shows its ambitions in this African Champions League. The South Africans have taken the big game in Algeria by beating CR Belouizdad at home 4-1. Peter Shalulile (6th), Neo Maema (20th) have given very early advantage to the hosts. The Algerians will however reduce the score before going to the break, through Miloud Rebiai (48th). But after the break, Sundowns press on the gas pedal. They will be helped by the opponent who wants to equalize at all costs, so will play open. Moments chosen by Peter Shalulile (51st) to offer a double before Cassius Mailula (92nd) definitively destroyed the hopes of CRB.
Defending champions struggle
Wydad Casablanca, on the other hand, is struggling. Beaten by Simba SC in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the African Champions League, the defending champions will have to raise their game in the return match. Otherwise, it is the exit door for the Moroccans, from the quarters. The only goal of this game was the work of Jean Othos Baleke (30th).
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS:
Jean Othos bag his side @SimbaSCTanzania a lovely home-win vs the title-holders @WACofficiel!#TotalEnergiesCAFCL | #SSCWAC | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/EsOTY65eZN
— TotalEnergies CAFCL - TotalEnergies CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 22, 2023
