The first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia over the weekend.
In DR Congo, Al Ahly held TP Mazembe to a goalless draw. At the same time, ES Tunis secured a 1-0 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns at home, courtesy of a goal from Brazilian forward Yan Sasse.
As we countdown to the intriguing return leg games in Egypt and South Africa, Afrosport highlights the key talking points from Saturday’s games.
Al Ahly’s brilliant away run
The Egyptian giants and defending champions of the CAF Champions League are leading the hunt for a 12th continental title after stretching their unbeaten run in the competition to 11 matches this season.
Despite the unfavourable weather conditions in Lubumbashi on Saturday, Marcelo Koller’s held on for a crucial draw with their solid defensive display.
Al Ahly have conceded just a goal on the road in the Champions League this campaign which was against Young Africans in the group stage.
Political interference in African football
Just as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is taking giant strides to improve the game on the continent, political forces are apparently bent on rubbishing the development.
There was no coverage of the Al Ahly and TP Mazembe game on TV because authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo did not give clearance for the equipment to enter the country and it was returned to Congo.
Whether it is a kind of antic by the home team or not, it is time CAF takes a strong stance with sanctions for host clubs.
ES Tunis’ clean sheets record
The four-time Champions League winners are yet to concede a goal in the competition since their 3-1 defeat to Al Hilal Omdurman on December 1. Their defeat only in the Champions League and last defeat in all competitions was the last time they conceded a goal in the Champions League.
ES Tunis’ clean sheets record stands on nine games across all competitions since January 3.
Mamelodi Sundowns need to be more clinical
The Brazilians will need more than tactics at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to overturn the 1-0 deficit when they host ES Tunis for the return leg on Friday, April 26.
Mamelodi Sundowns dominated proceedings in Tunis with the better ball possession and the most chances created but they lacked the cutting edge to avoid defeat.
