CAF Champions League: Al Ahly, Wydad Arrive at the Quarters Table; Vita Crash Out

North African clubs Wydad Casablanca and Al Ahly have progressed to the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League, while DR Congo’s AS Vita and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates have crashed out following the completion of the group phase on Saturday.

Wydad Casablanca achieved a 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in a Group A clash played in Rabat. Mohamed Nahiri scored the all-important goal for the Moroccans in the 62^nd minute through a scorching curler that gave goalkeeper Denis Onyango no chance.

As a result, Wydad progressed to the last eight as group winners while Sundowns also qualified as runners-up.

In Alexandria, Ahly put in a commanding display to crush Algeria’s JS Saoura 3-0 as they continued their bid towards their first title since 2013.

Tunisian left-back Ali Maaloul produced a virtuoso performance to help Ahly to a 2-0 first-half lead, his crosses forcing Fateh Talah to score into his own net in the 30th minute and setting up striker Marwan Mohsen for a second at the stroke of halftime.

In Conakry, Orlando Pirates were knocked out of the competition after suffering a 2-1 loss against Horoya.

The Sea Robbers came into the encounter knowing that nothing other than a victory would secure their progression to the last eight.

Pirates may have strolled past Guinean side with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Orlando Stadium earlier on in the competition. This fixture, however, would be a different proposition with qualification on the line.

Abdoulaye Camara scored the opener for HAC ten minutes after the interval with Boniface Haba extending their lead in the 73^rd minute to kill the visitors hope.

The Sea Robbers at least netted a consolation through Justin Shonga in added time.

Elsewhere, Simba SC grabbed a late minute goal to seal a 2-1 victory over AS Vita in a Group D match played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Vita were the first to put the ball at the back of the net through Kazadi Kasengu, who beat Aishi Manula with a clever goal.

The host pushed their men forward and their efforts were rewarded after the half-hour mark through Mohamed Hussein.

The Black Dolphins missed clear cut chances in the second stanza and they got punished in the closing stages of the game through Clatous Chama’s strike.

Nigeria’s Lobi Stars ended the campaign on a high after they defeated ASEC Mimosas 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium

Two goals from Sikiru Alimi in the first half ensured that the Nigerian champions bowed out of the competition with their heads high.

Regardless of their win, the Pride of Benue still ended their campaign as the bottom team in  Group A with seven points, ASEC on their part finished third also with seven points after six games but with a better goal difference.