The first leg of the CAF Cup quarter-finals was played on Sunday March 31. Stade Malien were stunned at home by Dreams FC. Zamalek SC and Rivers United, on the other hand, take a serious option for qualification.
Rivers United took the lead in the first leg of their CAF Cup quarter-final against USM Alger. The Nigerian club beat USMA 1-0 thanks to a goal from Augustine Okejepha. The 19-year-old midfielder made his mark early on (10th), cementing his team's dominance. The Nigerians were unable to score a second goal, but still secured a precious victory ahead of the return leg on April 7.
In the other match that ended in victory, Stade Malien lost at home to Dreams FC (1-2). The Malians had taken the lead with a goal from Yoro Mamadou Diaby (53rd). They were pegged back 13 minutes later (66th), before falling behind in the 73rd minute. A brace from John Antwi gave the Ghanaians a big away win. Stade Malien also lost their goal-scoring defender, Yoro Mamadou Diaby, to a late red card (90+1).
Zamalek, meanwhile, snatched an important away win against Modern Futur (1-2). After conceding a goal in the 35th minute, the Egyptian club equalized before going into the break (45+5). It was Tunisian international Hamza Mathlouthi who got his team back on track. Ahmed Sayed "Zico" followed suit in the 88th minute. The Egyptian winger came on as a substitute and converted a penalty to seal victory for his team.
Abu Salem and RSB Berkane, on the other hand, drew 0-0. This was the only goalless draw of the first leg of the CAF Cup quarter-finals. RSB were outnumbered for much of the match. Moroccan left-back Hamza El Moussaoui was sent off in the 57th minute. The Moroccans will have to get the job done in the return leg next week.
Avec deux buts, Zamalek SC valide sa victoire à l’aller.#TotalEnergiesCAFCC | #MFCZSC pic.twitter.com/BVV2i0aHzI
— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC_fr) March 31, 2024
