CAF Champions League match day 3 round-up thrills

The third round of the CAF Champions League group stage delivered thrilling en­counters, late drama, and decisive victories across the continent.

From Al Hilal’s stunning win in Algiers to Esperance Tunis’ domi­nance in Radès, the matches show­cased Africa’s elite clubs battling for crucial points at the halfway stage of the competition.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sun­downs secured their first win, while Orlando Pirates maintained their grip on Group C despite being held to a draw.

Group D saw Esperance Tunis take command with an impressive victory over Pyramids, while a goalless draw between Djoliba and Sagrada kept things tight.

With the group standings taking shape, the race for knockout quali­fication intensifies as teams prepare for the decisive second half of the campaign.

Here’s a group-by-group sum­mary of all the action, results, and upcoming fixtures:

Group A

Al Hilal Omdurman continued their dominant start with a hard-fought 1-0 win over MC Alger in Algiers, courtesy of Guessouma Fofana’s header in the 76th minute. The Sudanese side now leads the group with nine points. Earlier in the day, Mazembe and Young Africans played out a dramatic 1-1 draw. Cheick Fofana gave Mazem­be the lead before Prince Dube’s stoppage-time equalizer rescued a point for Yanga. MC Alger remains second with four points, while Mazembe and Yanga trail with two and one point, respectively.

Group B

Mamelodi Sundowns earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Raja Casablanca, thanks to Iqraam Rayners’ 65th-minute strike. The South African side now shares the top spot with FAR Rabat, who drew 1-1 against Maniema Union. Exaucia Moanda’s first-half goal for Maniema was canceled out by To Carneiro’s second-half equaliser for FAR Rabat. Raja Casablanca remains bottom with one point, struggling to find form in the com­petition. The group remains wide open as Sundowns and Rabat push for qualification.

Group C

Orlando Pirates maintained their spot at the top of Group C after a 1-1 draw with Stade d’Abidjan. Evidence Makgopa’s penalty put Pirates ahead, but Ousmane Méité’s 53rd-minute equaliser ensured a share of the spoils. Stade d’Abidjan dominated late on but were thwarted by Pirates’ goalkeep­er Sipho Chaine. Meanwhile, Al Ahly’s match against CR Belouiz­dad was postponed, leaving Ahly with a game in hand. Pirates lead with five points, but Ahly, on four points, could overtake them.

Group D

Esperance Tunis cemented their lead in Group D with a com­manding 2-0 victory over Pyra­mids. Youcef Belaïli’s first-half strike and Elias Mokwana’s goal before halftime sealed the win. In the groups other match, Djoliba and Sagrada Esperança played out a tense goalless draw. Djoliba struck the woodwork twice but couldn’t break through Sagrada’s resilient defense. Esperance leads with seven points, while Pyra­mids are second on four points. Djoliba and Sagrada remain winless with two points each.