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Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Young Africans all secured home wins as the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage began on Saturday.
Sundowns, last season’s semi-finalists and favorites in Group C, overcame an early challenge to defeat DR Congo’s St Éloi Lupopo 3-1 in Pretoria. Al Ahly dominated Group D, winning 3-0 against Botswana’s Gaborone United in Cairo.Meanwhile, in Group A, Young Africans narrowly defeated Medeama SC of Ghana 2-1 in Dar es Salaam.
Sundowns’ victory wasn’t without a moment of concern. St Éloi Lupopo took a surprise lead through kambole Chongo,but Sundowns responded strongly. Goals from Neo Maema, Thapelo Maseko, and substitute Gaston Sirino secured the win for the South African champions. Coach Rulani Mokwena will be pleased with his team’s resilience.
Al Ahly’s agreeable victory was built on a dominant performance. Percy Tau, Hussein El Shahat, and Taher Mohamed Taher all found the net for the Egyptian giants, signaling their intent to go far in the competition. They look like strong contenders to lift the trophy.
Young Africans’ win was hard-fought. A brace from Zambian forward Kennedy Musonda proved decisive, despite Jonathan Sowah pulling one back for Medeama. Yanga showed grit and determination to claim all three points in their opening match.
the group stage continues next week with more exciting clashes across the continent. These opening results set the stage for a thrilling campaign as teams battle for a place in the knockout rounds.