Fathy came off the bench in Cairo to double the lead for record 10-time African champions Ahly with a powerful close-range shot on 84 minutes after being set up by South African Percy Tau. In other matches, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Esperance of Tunisia won in Algeria while reigning champions Wydad Casablanca of Morocco lost in Tanzania. Ahly, who eliminated three-time champions Raja at the same stage last season, went ahead in first half added time when Mohamed Abdelmonem headed powerfully past Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti. Wydad, seeking back-to-back Champions League titles for the first time, trounced Rivers 6-0 and Kabylie 3-0 in their intimidating Stade Mohammed V fortress. Ben Hammouda and Baleke have scored four goals each in the Champions League this season – three fewer than chart-topper Jason Mayele from already-eliminated Young Africans of Tanzania.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 22, 2023 23:00 UTC