The CAF Champions League group stage process concluded yesterday following two matches.
Both matches were from Group B.
In the first game, Moroccan club Raja Club Athletic hosted Democratic Republic of Congo’s Maniema Union. The match was evenly contested until Maniema Union defender Taboria Simete received a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Just before halftime, Raja CA was awarded a penalty, and Adam Ennafati converted to put his team in the lead. Raja CA’s goalkeeper Mehdi Harrar was the star of the game, making 8 crucial saves, and the match ended 1-0 in favor of Raja CA.
The second Group B match was between South African side Sundowns and Moroccan team AS FAR Rabat. The home team, Sundowns, dominated much of the game and took the lead in the 12th minute with a goal by Peter Shalulile, assisted by Lucas Ribeiro.
Despite their dominance in possession, Sundowns failed to score a second goal. In the 83rd minute, Amine Zouhzouh scored the equalizer for AS FAR, and the game ended 1-1.
As a result, AS FAR finished as Group B leaders with 10 points, while Sundowns secured second place with 9 points, advancing to the quarterfinals alongside AS FAR.
The quarterfinal matchups have not been determined yet. The group winners—Al-Hilal, AS FAR, Orlando Pirates, and Esperance—will compete alongside the runners-up—MC Alger, Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Pyramids.
One of these eight teams will claim Africa’s most prestigious club trophy.