CAF Champions League: Raja make a winning start, Zamalek stumble

The group stage of the 2023 CAF Champions League got under way on Friday 10 February. The tournament features 16 teams split into four groups of 4. Two games were played on Friday: CR Belouizdad, champions of Algeria, against Zamalek, and Raja Casablanca against Vipers SC of Uganda.

RC Belouizdad shock Zamalek

In the first of the day's big games, the Algerians came out on top, doing just enough against the Egyptians of Zamalek (1-0). Young Cameroonian Leonel Wamba Djouffo scored the only goal of the game, from a penalty won in the 56th minute after a foul by Nabil Dunga.

Zamaleck tried to peg one back in added time and created chances, but in the end the Algerians took the three points. CRB currently top Group D, while the Egyptians are bottom. In matchday two, RCB will face ES Tunis, while Zamalek take on Al Merreikh.

Related: CAF Champions League: the race to succeed Wydad is wide open

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Raja Casablanca thrash Vipers SC

Raja Casablanca made a perfect start to the CAF Champions League group stage. The Moroccans were even breathtaking at the Stade Mohammed V sports complex. They won comfortably against the Ugandans of Vipers SC, racking up a fine "manita" (5-0). Forward Hamza Khabba, 26, opened the scoring in the 5th minute (1-0). Jamal Harkass followed suit six minutes later (11'). The other scorers were Moroccan Mohamed Zrida (38'), Algerian Yousri Bouzok (59') and Togolese Roger Ben Aholou (71').

The Ugandans were powerless against a rampant Moroccan side, who now sit top of Group C with three points on the board. Raja will face Simba SC on Saturday 18 February, while Vipers SC will look to get back on track against Guinea's Horoya AC.

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