SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, – SOUTH African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, are on course for a semifinal berth in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Orange Champions League following a perfect start to the campaign.

The side from the capital Pretoria has opened three-point lead atop Group B
following a 2-1 victory over Zamalek in Egypt.

Sundowns, commonly known as the Brazilians, had earlier beaten Nigeria’s defending champions Enyimba by a similar score line (2-1) at the Lucas Moripe Satdium in Pretoria.

Goals from defender Tiyani Mabunda and Absa Premiership Player of the Season, Khama Billiat, were enough to silence a half-filled but vociferous Petro Sport Stadium in Cairo on Sunday evening.

The Egyptians scored their solitary strike courtesy of the boot of Mohamed Ibrahim, but the goal did not prevent the South Africans from clinching the much-needed victory.

The two sides will clash again on July 27 in Pretoria.

Sundowns have six points, followed by Zamalek with three while tail-enders Enyimba have none.

In Group A, meanwhile, Egyptian giants Al Ahly and visiting Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco played a stalemate in Alexandria.

Wydad maintained their unbeaten run at this stage as well as their place at the summit of the standings.

Ahly travels next to Casablanca in Morocco in a fortnight to face Wydad in a win or break encounter.

In Ndola, Zambia, Zesco beat Ivorian titans ASEC Abidjan 3-1.

A goal each from Jackson Mwanza and John Chingandu gave a two-goal lead at half time.

Youssouf Dao reduced the deficit on the 76 minutes before Idris Ilunga wrapped up victory later on.

– CAJ News