The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals commenced with a flurry of strategic maneuvers and tight contests, setting the stage for an enthralling race towards the semi-finals.
Defending champions Al Ahly showcased their championship pedigree in a gritty encounter against Simba AC, securing a vital 1-0 victory away from home.
Despite facing relentless pressure from the Tanzanian side, Al Ahly’s Ahmed Koka delivered an early goal that proved to be the decisive strike.
Meanwhile, at the Benjamin Mkwapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, former champions Mamelodi Sundowns faced off against Young Africans in what transpired to be a highly tactical battle.
The clash between Sundowns’ coach Rulani Mokwena and his former assistant coach resulted in a goalless stalemate, leaving the tie finely poised for the return leg in Pretoria.
In Lubumbashi, TP Mazembe encountered stiff resistance from Atletico Petroleos, with the Angolan side frustrating the home team to a goalless draw.
Despite their defensive resilience, TP Mazembe will seek to capitalize on home advantage in the return leg to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Similarly, the encounter between Esperance Sportive de Tunis and Asec Mimosas in Tunis concluded in a goalless stalemate, with both teams unable to break the deadlock.
Asec Mimosas, determined to end their continental drought, displayed staunch resistance against the four-time champions, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch in the return leg.
As the first leg fixtures concluded, attention now turns to the eagerly anticipated return legs scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Young Africans in a crucial clash on Friday, while Al Ahly will look to capitalize on home advantage against Simba SC later that evening.
On Saturday, Atletico Petroleos will aim to upset TP Mazembe in Luanda, while Asec Mimosas seeks to secure a victory over Esperance in their quest for continental glory.
With the stage set for high-stakes encounters and tactical battles, football enthusiasts across the continent eagerly await the outcome of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Final return legs.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League QF First Leg Results:
Simba AC 0 – 1 Al Ahly SC
TP Mazembe 0 – 0 Atletico Petroleos
Young Africans 0 – 0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Esperance de Tunis 0 – 0 Asec Mimosas
Quarter-Finals Return Leg Fixtures:
Friday, 05 April
18h00 GMT | Mamelodi Sundowns v Young Africans
20h00 GMT | Al Ahly SC v Simba SC
Saturday, 06 April
16h00 GMT | Atletico Petroleos v TP Mazembe
20h00 GMT | Asec Mimosas v Esperance
PHOTO: CAF Online
