The landscape of African club football shifted this weekend as Matchday 5 of the CAF Champions League group stages concluded, headlined by a historic achievement in Bamako and a dominant display by the defending champions.
The headlines: History in Mali
The weekend's most significant result came from Stade Malien, who became the first-ever Malian club to reach the knockout stages of the competition. They secured their spot with a gritty 1-0 victory over Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis.
Daouda Coulibaly provided the decisive moment in the 54th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and moving Stade Malien to 11 points at the top of Group D.
Pyramids assert dominance
Defending chmapions Pyramids FC showed exactly why they are favourites to retain their crown. Despite falling behind early to Rivers United in Nigeria, the Egyptian side roared back to win 4-1.
Mostafa Fathy sparked the comeback in the 52rd minute, while a late penalty from Marwan Hamdy ensured Pyramids maintained their unbeaten record and safely secured their quarter-final berth.
Weekend scoreboard
- Stade Malien vs Esperance score was 1-0, Stade Malien qualified for quarter-finals.
- Rivers United vs Pyramids FC score was 1-4, Pyramids remained unbeaten.
- JS Kbylie vs Al Ahly score was 0-0, Ahly secured qualification with a draw.
- St Eloi Lupopo vs Mamelodi Sundowns score was 1-1, Sundowns drop to 3rd position in Group C.
- AS FAR vs Young Africans score was 1-0, FAR Rabat edges closer to knockout spot.
- MC Alger vs Al-Hilal score was 2-1, the Group C blow wide open.
- Power Dynamos vs RSB Berkane score was 2-0, Zambians secured a vital home victory.
Group C drama: Sundowns on the brink
The “Group of Death” continues to live up to its name. Mamelodi Sundowns found themselves frustrated in Lubumbashi, playing out a 1-1 draw against Saint-Eloi Lupopo. Jayden Adams secured a point for the South Africans, but the result leaves them in third place.
Earlier in the weekend, MC Alger stunned leaders Al-Hilal Omdurman with a 2-1 win, meaning the final matchday will see a “winner-takes all” showdown between Sundowns and MC Alger for a spot in the final eight.
Qualified teams so far:
- Pyramids FC (Egypt)
- Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Stade Malien (Mali)