CAF Champions League wrap, August 18

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Aug 18, 2018. 23:19

Matchday 5 of the 2018 CAF Champions League group stage wrapped up on Saturday, August 18 with four matches across the continent.

The afternoon games saw Zesco United bring themselves back into quarterfinal contention in Group D, as a five-minute hat-trick from Lazarous Kambole handed them a 3-0 win away to Mbabane Swallows in Swaziland.

Yet it seemed the Zambians would have their hopes snuffed out in Group D’s night game, as Primeiro de Agosto were on course for a win in Sousse which would have secured them progression alongside hosts Etoile du Sahel with a game to spare.

Instead, Etoile’s Amine Chermiti scored an 87th minute equaliser to salvage a share of the spoils and ensure that the Tunisians will finish top of the standings, while the Angolans’ place in the last eight is far from secure.

The other afternoon game saw KCCA defeat Township Rollers 1-0 in Kampala – though the result was of little consequence, as both teams have been eliminated – while Morocco’s Difaa El Jadidi ensured that Group B will go down to the wire with a 2-0 win at home to MC Alger.

Difaa’s victory – secured by goals from Bilel El Megri and Simon Msuva – sees them locked in a three-way tie with MCA and ES Setif on five points apiece. Group winners TP Mazembe have 11 points and will finish top of the standings regardless.

The Champions League group stage will wrap up with eight matches across the continent on August 28.

CAF Champions League results, August 18

Mbabane Swallows 0-3 Zesco United – Group D
KCCA 1-0 Township Rollers – Group A
Difaa El Jadidi 2-0 MC Alger – Group B
Etoile du Sahel 1-1 Primeiro de Agosto – Group D