Al Merreikh storm TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage

Sudan Premier League giants Al Merreikh have qualified for the group stage of the lucrative TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Despite losing 2-1 away to Zambia’s Zanaco FC yesterday, Al Merreikh advanced to the group stage on a 4-2 goal aggregate.

Tony Edjomariegwe Omayurue gave the Sudan team the lead, but Emmanuel Manda and Abraham Siankombo later scored to give the hosts some hope.

In another match involving a team from the CECAFA region, Rwanda Premier League champions APR FC lost 4-0 away to Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia at the Mustapha Ben Jannet Stadium in Monastir.

Veteran Yacine Chikhaoui scored a brace, while Tayeb Meziani and Souleymore Coulibaly added two more goals to help the Tunisian team qualify on a 5-1 goal aggregate. APR FC were reduced by one player who was sent-off.

Cup holders Al Ahly of Egypt, Raja CA, Amazulu FC (South Africa) and two teams from Angola Petro du Luanda and Sagrada Esperanca also qualified for the group stage.

Today two other teams from the CECAFA region will also be in action. Tanzania’s Simba SC who carry a 2-0 advantage after the first leg will host Botswana’s Jwaneg Galaxy FC, while Al Hilal (Sudan) also face Nigeria’s Rivers United in a match which will be played in Egypt.