Ahly’s title defence begins with commanding win …FAR Rabat stun Raja
Defending champions Al Ahly launched their quest for a third consecutive CAF Champions League title with a resounding 4-2 victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo on Tuesday.
The record title holders from Egypt dominated the first half, racing to a 3-1 lead, with Mahmoud Kahraba netting twice and Mohamed Magdi Kafsha adding another.
Stade d’Abidjan managed a response through Kassoum Koné but was ultimately overrun by Al Ahly’s firepower.
A second-half strike by Kahraba secured the points despite a late goal from Roger Assalé for the visitors.
Elsewhere, Egypt’s Pyramids FC lit up the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo with a scintillating 5-1 dismantling of Angola’s Sagrada Esperança.
Ibrahim Adel was the star, contributing two goals, including a stunning opener in the 17th minute.
Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Hamdy, and Ahmed Atef also found the net, while Sagrada’s consolation came late via Cachí.
The dominant display underscores Pyramids’ ambitions to make a deep run in only their second group-stage campaign.
In Group B, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by DR Congo debutants Maniema Union at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Despite dominating possession, the home side failed to convert several chances, including Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s strike against the crossbar.
Maniema’s resilient defence earned them a valuable point in their first group-stage appearance.
FAR Rabat stunned Raja Casablanca with a 2-0 victory in a fiery Moroccan derby at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday night.
Ahmed Hammoudan gave the visitors an early advantage, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to find the bottom corner in the 41st minute.
Raja had an opportunity to equalise when awarded a penalty in the second half, but Sabir Bougrine’s effort was saved, much to the dismay of the home fans.
Khalid Aït Ouarkhane sealed the win for FAR Rabat in stoppage time, finishing off a counterattack led by substitute Zakaria Ajoughlal.
Orlando Pirates beat CR Belouizdad 2-1 with Esperance Tunis routing Djoliba 4-0.
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