Nigerian clubs Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars began their CAF Champions League qualifying campaigns with victories on Sunday, as they aim to become the first Nigerian title-holders since 2004.
Enugu Rangers secured a narrow 1-0 win in their first-round, first-leg match against Zilimadjou of Comoros, with Frank Uwumiro scoring midway through the first half.
The match was held in Uyo due to Comoros lacking an international-standard stadium, meaning both legs will be played in southeastern Nigeria.
Enugu, who won the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977, are looking to replicate the success of Enyimba, Nigeria’s only CAF Champions League winners.
Remo Stars also triumphed, coming from behind to defeat former African champions FAR Rabat of Morocco 2-1 in Ikenne.
After conceding an equalizer from Joel Beya early in the second half, Ismaila Sodiq restored Remo’s lead in the 66th minute, setting up an exciting return leg on August 25 in Rabat.
In other matches, Egyptian side Pyramids delivered a dominant performance, crushing Zanzibar’s JKU 6-0, with Mohanad Lasheen scoring twice.
Pyramids, eager to make up for their disappointing group-stage exit in the last edition, look like strong contenders this season.
Meanwhile, 12-time champions Al Ahly await their second-round opponents, either Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan or Kenya’s Gor Mahia, after Bentiu secured a 1-0 lead in Juba.
Elsewhere, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates played to a 0-0 draw against Disciples of Madagascar, and Ghanaian newcomers Samartex edged Victoria United of Cameroon 1-0, putting them in a favorable position for the second qualifying round.
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