Egyptian club Smouha were  been held to a 1-1 home draw by Sudan’s Hilal ElObeid in the CAF Confederation Cup Group C at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts took the lead through ex-Zamalek striker Ahmed Hassan Mekki from the penalty spot in the first half, before an own goal from center-back Mahmoud Ezzat brought the visitors level after the break.

The Sudanese side were the first to pose real threat on goal, with keeper Mohamed Abo-Gabal keeping away a Muhannad El-Taher curling effort after just 11 minutes

Striker Mekki could have easily opened the scoring in the 24^th minute when he squandered a one-on-one effort, before seeing a header cleared off the line six minutes later.

Mekki, however, made sure he made no mistake from nine yards after Smouha were awarded a penalty in the 36^th minute, giving his side the lead following huge protests from Hilal.

Hilal were brought level in the 67^th minute when a cross from Mofadal Hassan deflected off defender Ezzat into his own net, cancelling out the home side’s lead.

Smouha are on top of the group with 4 points one ahead of Zesco who face off with Angolan side Recreativo today (Sunday 4^th)

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com