African leagues round-up: Al Ahly rally to 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
Ten-man Al Ahly came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Pyramids in their top of the table Premier League clash in Cairo on Sunday but the point kept Pyramids at the head of the standings. Al Ahly skipper Rami Rabia figured prominently, giving away an own goal but then redeeming himself with a strong headed goal. The own goal put Pyramids ahead at half-time and they were handed a further advantage when Ahly midfield Ahmed Twafik was red carded. Pyramids went 2-0 up early in the second half when Mostafa Fathi converted a penalty. But within seconds, Rabia pulled one back and then Ahly’s new striker Nejc Gradisar tucked away rebound two minutes later to level matters. Pyramids now have 21 points to 20 for Ahly after 10 games each with Ceramic Cleopatra third on 19 after they won 1-0 away on Sunday at Ghazl Al Mehalla. South African winger Fagrie Lakay scored the 86th minute winner. Zamalek are fourth on 17 points but play their 10th league game of the season on Monday when they host El Gouna in Cairo. A win would put them level with arch rivals Ahly on 20 points and set up another top of the table clash when Zamalek meet Pyramids on Friday.

NIGERIA
The NPFL resumed at the weekend after a break of almost a month with Remo Stars picking up where they left off and extending their lead at the top of the table on Sunday. A 2-1 away win over Akwa United in Uyo saw Stars move to 39 points from 20 games, five ahead of Rivers United, who lost on Sunday. But it was no easy ride for Stars, who had to comeback after conceding in the opening five minutes and only snatched all the points with an 85th minute winner from Olamilekan Adedayo. Akwa United remain second from bottom in the league after three losses in their past four league outings. Rivers United suffered a 2-1 defeat at Plateau United in Jos where the game ended in an exciting finish as Rivers’ Ndifreke Effiong equalised in the 88th minute only for Emmanuel Ihezo to win it for the home side with a strike six minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game. There was a seven goal thriller in Ikenne on Saturday as Sunshine Stars edged Ikorodu Cty 4-3 to move themselves away from the relegation zone. Alao Danlami scored twice for Stars and Shola Adelani netted a double for City.

CAMEROON
Gazelle took over the leadership of Elite One on Sunday as Colombe Sportive stumbled at home and suffered their first defeat of the league season. Gazelle’s 3-1 home win over champions Victoria United saw them jump to 20 points and move ahead on goal difference after Colombe lost at home in their derby with Canon Yaounde, who are now up to third spot on 16 points. Canon’s winner came from Alexandre Essomba Fouda in the 14th minute. Yong Sport Academy won their first league game of the season, at their ninth attempt, after a 2-0 home success in Bamenda over Fortuna Mfou but remain in last place.

LESOTHO
Matlama had their lead in the Premier League cut to two points after being held to a 2-2 draw by Bantu in Maseru on Sunday, forced to flight back after going two goals behind. Bantu striker Lehlohonolo Fothoane scored again to take his season’s total to 16 in 15 games. Matlama are now on 37 points from at the halfway mark of the season with Lioli second on 35 as they won 2-0 away on Saturday in Maseru at Linkokwing University. Lesotho Mountain Police Service are third on 31 points but a 3-1 home loss to Lesotho Defence Force allowed the army team to move to 29 points in fourth place. Ace Maseru drew 1-1 at home with Manonyane on Sunday and after 15 games have only four points and are yet to win. But they are not last with Mzamane on three points, having lost 14 of their 15 fixtures this season including Sunday’s 4-0 home loss to Majantja at Botha-Bothe.

BURUNDI
A 2-0 away win at Musongati in Gitega on Sunday kept Aigle Noir one point ahead of the pack in Ligue A. Bumamuru remain on their heels after they won 3-1 at home in Buganda to bottom placed LLB Amasipiri at the same time. There is then a six point gap to Rukinzo and Flambeau du Centre, who remain third and fourth in the table after they drew 2-2 in Buganda on Saturday.