Five-time African champions TP Mazembe became the first team to qualify for this season’s Africa Champions League quarter-final after a 2-1 win over Primeiro Agosto in their Group A fourth-round match on Saturday.
In Group B, Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum and Egypt’s Al Ahly both dropped crucial points after playing to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining match played at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
In Group C, Mamelodi Sundowns defeated USM Alger 2-1 the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday to close in on the quarterfinals.
Thapelo Morena and Sibusiso Vilakazi scored for the Brazilians in the first stanza with USMA hitting back just a minute before the end of regulation time in the first half courtesy of Aymen Mahious’s powerful header.
The top two finishers in the four groups advance to the quarter-finals.
In Friday night’s Group A match in Lusaka, Achraf Bencharki helped Zamalek cement their second spot on the log as they beat host Zesco United 2-0.
The Moroccan forward scored an early goal and provided a late assist to give the White Knights their second win which boosted their chances of reaching the quarters with two matches remaining.
In Saturday nights’ other Group B match, Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca played to a 2-2 draw against Petro du Luanda in Angola.
Kasengu Kazindi opened the scoring for the visitors but the home side restored parity in 21 minutes courtesy of Herenilson beautiful goal.
Petro took the lead a minute before halftime before Yahya Jabranes scored an equalizer two minutes after the hour mark.
Elsewhere, AS Vita of Congo dropped out of the contention for quarterfinal place after being beaten 2-0 by holder Esperance de Tunis in a Group D clash Kinshasa.
Ivorian midfielder Fousseny Coulibaly and Libyan forward Hamdou Elhouni each scored once for the Blood and Gold.
