Stade Malien Historic Quarter-Finals Advance in CAF Champions League
Stade Malien made history by becoming the first Malian club to advance to the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League. This remarkable achievement came after a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisian side Esperance in Bamako. The decisive goal was scored by Daouda Coulibaly, marking his second goal in the ongoing African campaign.
CAF Champions League Group D Highlights
With this victory, Stade Malien secured 11 points after five matches in Group D. Esperance and Petro Luanda from Angola sit second with six points each, while Simba from Tanzania trails with two. This season has been particularly fruitful for Stade Malien, who have overcome previous disappointments, including 19 failed attempts to reach the group stage.
Key Contributions and Records
- Coach: Mauril Njoya
- Joint-leading scorer: Taddeus Nkeng, with five goals
- Victories: Six wins and three draws in the current campaign
Stade Malien is now among three clubs reaching the quarter-finals, joining Egyptian teams Al Ahly and Pyramids FC. All three teams maintain unbeaten records in the tournament.
Pyramids FC Performs Well
Pyramids FC, the reigning champions, also advanced with a 4-1 comeback win against Rivers United in Nigeria. After trailing at halftime, the team rallied to dominate the match. Mostafa Fathy equalized early in the second half with a goal, followed by a 77th-minute penalty from Marwan Hamdy.
Upcoming Matches and Group Standings
As it stands, Pyramids lead Group A with a solid six-point advantage. The following are the points standings:
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Pyramids FC | Currently leading Group A |
| Renaissance Berkane (Morocco) | 7 |
| Power Dynamos (Zambia) | 7 |
In Group C, the competition remains tight. Saint-Eloi Lupopo and Mamelodi Sundowns ended their match in a 1-1 draw. This result keeps all four teams in contention for progressing in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
The CAF Champions League continues to showcase exciting matches and rising talents. Stade Malien’s historic performance reflects a growing competitiveness in African football. Fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling knockout stages ahead.
