CAF Champions League: Medeama, Al Hilal Secure Dramatic Wins

The CAF Champions League group stage resumed with an exciting doubleheader on match day 2, featuring Medeama’s dramatic late 2-1 victory against CR Belouizdad and Al Hilal’s impressive 3-1 triumph over ES Tunis.

In Ghana, Medeama FC who were desperate for a result following last weekend’s disappointment against Al Ahly, had to meet another North African side in Algeria’s CR Belouizdad.

• Read more: 2023 CAF Awards Set For December 13th In Morocco

The Algerians took the lead courtesy of a Abdelraouf Benguit penalty in the 39^th minute. With the backing of the home support, the Ghanaians continued to push forward despite the setback and were rewarded just before the break as Daniel Lomotey equalised in the 45^th minute.

With the match destined for a stalemate, Mamudu Kamaradin stole the show in additional time to make it 2-1 to the hosts and secured an emphatic victory 2-1 against visitors Belouizdad.

First Medeama SC #TotalEnergiesCAFCL win is here.#MSCCRB pic.twitter.com/lsEWUP2wky

— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) December 1, 2023

Al Hilal 3-1 ES Tunis

In Sudan, Al Hilal temporarily went top of Group C after an impressive 3-1 victory against ES Tunis in a thrilling encounter.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 8^th minute with the help of an own goal by Yassine Meriah, before Mohamed Abdelrahman extended the lead in the 15^th minute through a penalty.

Kebba Sowe found what was meant to be a comeback goal in the 59^th minute, but Pape N’Diaye’s 78^th minute strike shattered the hopes of the Tunisians as they suffered their first loss of the group stages.

Al Hilal SC score two on the top of an early own goal to seal the win. #TotalEnergiesCAFCL | #HILEST pic.twitter.com/VFXWHY54ss

— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) December 1, 2023

“We were the underdogs but came with a different strategy, pinning Esperance early and getting important goals that lifted us,” Al Hilal manager Florent Ibenge said.

“I thank all my players for their superb teamwork and efficiency as they did everything asked of them.”

The result throws Group C wide open with ES Sahel playing host to Petro de Luanda on Saturday evening.