Matchday action across the continent delivered a display of strength from several African heavyweights as the CAF Champions League group stage kicked off over the weekend.
In Cairo, defending champions Pyramids FC powered to a 3–0 victory over Rivers United. Thanks to a superb hat-trick from Ahmed Atef after a tense first half.
The Egyptians took full control after the restart, with Atef striking twice in quick succession. Before capping his night with a calm finish in the 72nd minute to seal a confident home win.
RS Berkane also opened their campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising past Zambia’s Power Dynamos with a 3–0 triumph.
An early own goal settled nerves for the Moroccan side before Mounir Chouiar doubled the lead moments later, and Paul Bassene’s second-half penalty wrapped up the win.
In Group B, 12-time champions Al Ahly thrashed JS Kabylie 4–1 after racing to a two-goal lead before the interval.
Kabylie briefly threatened a comeback through an own goal, but Ahly’s late surge, including a second strike from Trezeguet and a stoppage-time deflection, restored full control.
Elsewhere, Young Africans made the most of their opening fixture by edging AS FAR 1–0, with Prince Dube’s finish proving decisive in a tight contest.
Meanwhile in Tunis, Esperance endured a frustrating evening after being held to a 0–0 draw by a disciplined Stade Malien.
