sportskeeda
The CAF Champions League group stages commenced on Tuesday, highlighting the contributions of various Bafana Bafana players in North Africa who made their presence felt on the score sheets.
The formidable Algerian club CR Belouizdad clashed with Orlando Pirates at Stade du 5 Juillet in Algeria on Tuesday. Khanyisa Mayo’s team suffered a 2-1 defeat at home, though the former Cape Town City striker managed to score, netting a consolation goal for the Algerian side.
This goal marked a significant moment for the former Richards Bay striker, as it was his first since leaving in the off-season; he came on for Ishak Boussouf in the 34th minute after Mohau Nkota had netted twice for the Pirates.
In Tunisia, Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana found the back of the net for Esperance de Tunis, contributing to their 4-0 triumph over Djoliba at home. The ex-Sekhukhune United winger played 82 minutes before being replaced by 17-year-old Koussay Maacha.
Bafana Bafana vice-captain Percy Tau also saw action for Al Ahly. The ‘Lion of Judah’ was substituted in for Mahmoud Kahraba in the 76th minute during their 4-2 victory against Stade d’Abidjan.
The former Club Brugge striker, Tau, is anticipated to return to South Africa next month as his team gears up to face the Buccaneers in their upcoming Champions League clash at Orlando Stadium.
Mokwana, conversely, is set to challenge the Angolan giants Sagrada Esperança, while Mayo’s team will travel to face Stade d’Abidjan.
In Group C, Al Ahly is now tied for the top spot with Pirates, while Belouizdad occupies the third position. Meanwhile, Mokwana’s team, ES Tunis, sits in second place in Group D.
