The South Africans of Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed their victory of the first leg by winning again against CR Belouizdad (2-1) this Saturday, April 29 and joining Wydad Casablanca in the semi-finals. The Egyptians of Al Ahly also qualify for the rest of the competition and will face Espérance Tunis for a place in the final.
The last four of the CAF Champions League 2022-2023 is now known. After the victory of Wydad Casablanca on penalties against Simba SC this Friday, April 28it was the South Africans of Mamelodi Sundowns who in turn validated their ticket for the semi-finals of the competition by winning once again against CR Belouizdad (2-1) during this quarter-final return, not leaving no chance to their opponents over the two matches (6-2 aggregate score).
In an ideal position after their crushing success in the quarter-final first leg on April 22, the “Brazilians” from Pretoria had more difficulty getting into the game, first letting Sofiane Bouchar open the scoring with a header (24th, 0-1). They finally equalized just before half-time following a good collective action concluded by a shot close to the post by Themba Zwane (45th, 1-1), before finally taking the advantage at the start of the second period thanks to a header from Thapelo Morena (49th, 2-1) which sealed their victory. Already winners of the competition in the 2016 edition, the South Africans will face Wydad Casablanca, current defending champions, in a clash in the semi-finals to try to play the third CAF Champions League final in their history.
Al Ahly and Esperance Tunis last qualified
The most successful club in the history of the competition, Al Ahly was already on track to reach the semi-finals after their 2-0 victory against Raja Casablanca in the quarter-final first leg. A sufficient result for the Egyptians, since the nets did not shake for either team in the return match, on April 29. The Moroccans nevertheless had the opportunity to reduce the gap in added time in the first period, but Yousri Bouzok did not find the target and his shot crashed into the crossbar of the Egyptian goalkeeper (45th + 4 ). With this virgin final score, Al Ahly validates its place in the semi-finals of the competition (2-0 cumulative score).
The other quarter-final return match between Espérance Tunis and JS Kabylie was marked by violent incidents, including a fire, which caused the match to be interrupted for more than 30 minutes. According to Tunisian radio Mosaïque, Espérance supporters tried to enter the pitch after the first period, causing clashes with riot police. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane finally opened the scoring for Espérance Tunis at the very start of the second half (49th, 1-0), before Adem Redjem equalized in the final minutes (85th, 1-1). An insufficient result for the Algerian club, which is eliminated at the gates of the last four and leaves the Tunisians to obtain the last place for the semi-finals (2-1 cumulative score).
The results of the quarter-finals (home and away)
Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) Q – Simba SC (Tanzania): 1-1 aggregate score, 4-3 after TAB
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) Q – CR Belouizdad (Algeria): 6-2 aggregate score
Esperance Tunis (Tunisia) Q – JS Kabylie (Algeria): 2-1 aggregate score
Raja Casablanca (Morocco) – Al Ahly SC (Egypt) Q : 0-2 aggregate score
The program for the semi-finals (go: May 12; return: May 19)
Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Esperance Tunis (Tunisia) – Al Ahly SC (Egypt)