The 54th edition of the CAF Champions League kicked-off across Africa at preliminary round starting Friday with fireworks.
A total of 27 first leg matches were on the cards, but one failed to go on as scheduled and a walkover will be awarded.
South Sudan’s Al Salam Wau FC failed to show up for their fixture against Ethiopia’s St. George in Addis Ababa on Saturday despite a hopeful home crowd thronging Addis Ababa Stadium to cheer their team.
However, the rest of the matches served African football enthusiasts with a memorable weekend of top level club football entertainment.
19 wins and 7 draws were recorded with 72 goals being celebrated.
Morocco’s Botola outfit Difaa Hassani El Jadida were the biggest winners – beating visiting Guinea Bissau’s Sport Bissau Benfica by a record 10-0 at Mohamed El Abdi, El Jadida Saturday.
The definition of “home advantage” lived up to its true meaning with 17 teams, who played at home picking wins.
The results were largely expected a part from a few shockers that spiced up the weekend.
Sudan’s top sides El Merreikh and Al Hilal Omndurman found themselves on the losing end – falling to Botswana’s Township Rollers 3-0 and Liberia’s LISCR FC 1-0 respectively.
2016 semifinalists Zesco United of Zambia were held to a frustrating barren against Zanzibar’s JKU SC in Zanzibar on Saturday.
Ugandan champions KCCA were also humbled 2-1 away to Madagascar side CNaPS Sport Football on Saturday.
Neighbors Gor Mahia, who KCCA played in a friendly during preseason, beat Leones Vegetarianos of Equatoeia Guinea 2-0 at Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium on the same day.
Tanzania giants Yanga SC edged St. Louis FC of Seychelles 1-0 at National Stadium, Dar Es Salaam.
Two-time champions Esperance Sportive du Tunis of Tunisia survived a scare as they rallied to hold Mauritius’ ASAC Concorde 1-1 at Stadium Nouakchott on Saturday.
DR Congo’s AS Vita Club were ruthless against Malawi’s Be Forward Wonderers hitting them 4-0 at Martyrs Stadium, Kinshasa.
Return matches will take place on the 20th and 21st February 2018.
Weekend Results;
