Al Merreikh on Friday beat Al Ahli Tripoli 2-0 at home in their 2022/2023 CAF Champions League second round first leg tie at Al-Ubayyid Stadium in Sudan.
The Red Castle had the first big chance in the 12th minute after Jose Nganga delivered an inviting cross to the far post but Bakhet Khamis’ close range strike was saved on the line by Al Ahli goalkeeper Nashnosh.
Al Merreikh gained momentum after that and came close to breaking the dreadlock in the 20th minute after Dhiya Khano cross’s cross found Eric Kambale, who headed over the cross bark.
Al Ahli Tripoli had a chance of their own on three minutes later after Salto went clear on goal, but his attempted lob sailed over the crossbar with Mohamed Al-Mustafa to beat.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 28th minute after Ugandan import Kambale send a powerful shot from inside the 18-yard box and past Nashnosh.
Ten minutes later Algozoli Nooh snatched the second goal for the hosts with a powerful header past Nashnosh after getting on clear on goal from a loop over the defence.
Al Ahli Tripoli’s overall approach moments toward the break were scarpered with Njimaand Salto having a difficult time in trying to break the tight Red Castle defence.
A minute after resumption Akasha went even closer, the Al Ahli defender danced past a few challenges before firing inches wide of the right-hand post.
Al Merreikh’s Kambale close in netting a brace in 55th minute with a strike from the edge of the area that flew just wide of the post.
The next clear cut opportunity in the second half fell to Al Ahli’s Alturbi, as the defender’s powerful shot from the edge of the area struck the upright.
Al Ahli were presented with a perfect chance to reduce the deficit in the 84th minute when Abourgoub met a cross from Mohsen , but he headed over the Al Merrikh’s goal.
And the Sudanese giants hold onto their 2-0 until the final whistle to pursue their quest for a maiden Champions League crown.
