Merreikh restore hopes as WAC sink Ahly

Sudanese giants, El Merreikh came from behind to beat Ferroviaro da Beira 2-1 in their Group A Day Four clash on Tuesday in Omdurman, and boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

The win, Merreikh’s first at the group stage was what Diego Garzitto and his charges needed to restore hope to their once dwindling fortunes.

It was the visiting Mozambican champions who stunned the packed crowd at the El Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman as early as the 16th minute courtesy dangerman Manuel Fernandes. Fernandes, who was a constant threat for the Merreikh backline was allowed too much room after profiting from a Dayo Domingos pass, before firing through a sea of defenders for the opener.

On 29 minutes, Fernandes missed a golden opportunity to double the lead for his side, shooting wide with only Merreikh goalie Jamal Salim to beat.

Two minutes later, “Al-Zaeem” leveled through new kid on the block, Elsamani Elsawi, with a free-kick that Ferroviario goalie Victor Soares failed to stop.

An improved second half by the host saw Ahmed Abdalla tuck home the winner on 59 minutes.

Elsewhere in Casablanca, second half strikes from Congolese-import Fabrice N’Guessi and Walid Kerty sealed a 2-0 win for Wydad Athletic Club over visiting Al Ahly of Egypt in Group D.

Fixtures

Group A

20.06.2017    Omdurman    El Merreikh (Sudan) 2-1 Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique)

21.06.2017    Omdurman    El Hilal (Sudan) vs Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia)

Group B

21.06.2017    Sfax              Ahly Tripoli (Libya) vs Caps United (Zimbabwe)

21.06.2017    Algiers           USM Alger (Algeria) vs Zamalek (Egypt)

Group C

20.06.2017    Kinshasa        AS Vita (DR Congo) 2-1 Saint George (Ethiopia)

21.06.2017    Tunis             Esperance (Tunisia) vs Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Group D

20.06.2017    Casablanca    Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco) 2-0 Al Ahly (Egypt)

21.06.2017    Garoua          Coton Sport (Cameroon) vs Zanaco (Zambia)