African club round-up: Al Ahly draw with Pyramids

African football is alive every weekend with exciting league action around the continent and our weekly round-up of league action highlights a selection of the most important results.

EGYPT
Ahmed Reda scored a dramatic equaliser six minutes into stoppage time to salvage a draw for Al Ahly away against Pyramids in the Premier League on Saturday, but the champions now trail Pyramids by four points in the title race. Pyramids are now well placed for their first league title after their Moroccan right back Mohamed Chibi handed them a late lead four minutes from time, despite being down to 10 men after Mohannad Lashin has sent off early in the second half at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium. The numerical disadvantage cost them ultimately, however, as substitute Reda equalised with a rocket-like shot. Both Ahly and Pyramids head to South Africa this weekend to play their respective TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-finals on Saturday. Zamalek’s 2-0 win over Harras El-Hodoud in Alexandria on Sunday kept them in third spot, six points behind Pyramids and two behind second placed Ahly. Veteran midfielder Abdallah El Said put Zamalek ahead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time before substitute striker Nasser Mansi added the second in the last minutes. It was a winning reaction from Zamalek after last Wednesday being bundled out of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup by South African club Stellenbosch. Senegalese striker Pape Badji netted a hattrick as Al Masry also bounced back from Confederation Cup elimination to thrash Petrojet 4-0 in Suez on Sunday.

GHANA
Bibiani Gold Stars took advantage of a home slip by Asante Kotoko to join the Kumasi giants at the summit of Premier League with the race for the title now heading toward the business end of the season. Stars were 1-0 home winners over Young Apostles on Sunday to advance to 47 points, behind Kotoko on goal difference only. The Porcupine Warriors had to chase their home game against Bechem United after Darlvin Yeboah stunned home fans by opening the scoring in the 69th minute. Kotoko salvaged a point from a late penalty which Albert Amoah tucked away. The co-leaders both have eight matches left in the campaign. Nations are two points behind in third place but did not play this weekend as scheduled opponents Nsoatreman have withdrawn from the league. As a result, Nations received a 3-0 forfeit victory. Three clubs sit in fourth spot on 41 points, all still with outside hopes of championship success. Medeama had a 4-0 home win over Dreams in Tarkwa on Friday which saw them catch up to Heart of Lions, who lost 1-0 at Berekum Chelsea on Sunday, and Hearts of Oak, who drew 1-1 at Vision in Tema on Sunday.

ZIMBABWE
Newcomers Moors World of Sports remain the only unbeaten side after six rounds of the new Premier Soccer League season after defending champions Ngezi Platinum suffered their first defeat of the campaign on Saturday. MWOS have a one-point advantage at the summit of the standings after winning 1-0 away over Herentals in Shamva on Sunday, courtesy of a 20th minute own goal. Ngezi Platinum went down 2-1 to TelOne in Gweru on Saturday and slipped to second as they remained on 13 points. Simba Bhora’s 4-1 home triumph over Manica Diamonds in Shamva on Saturday saw them advance to 11 points, alongside Scotland who drew 1-1 at Yadah in Harare on Saturday.

CAMEROON
Colombe Sud lead in Elite One remained six points ahead at the top after both they and chasing Gazelle won on Sunday. Colombe were 1-0 away winners in Douala at Aigle Royale Moungo with defender Hamid Hamza scoring the only goal of the game. Gazelle were 3-0 home victors over Union Douala in Garoua, having opened the scoring in the first minute through Jean-Paul Akono and then Serge Daura and Colbert Bini adding two more in the second half. Daura joins Simplice Mbang of Stade Renard at the top of goal scorers chart with 10 each.

UGANDA
Vipers were held to a 2-2 draw by Express on Friday but still top the Premier League but their lead over NEC is now two points with seven rounds of the season remaining. Vipers came from two goals down in Nakivubo to salvage a potentially vital point.