Football
KweséESPN Reporter 7y

Southern African boost in CAF Champions League

Southern African football received a shot in the arm in the CAF Champions League on Saturday as both Ferroviario Beira of Mozambique and Zanaco of Zambia won their group matches.

The results put Ferroviario and Zanaco well in contention at the halfway stage to go on and advance to the quarter-finals, while Tunisia's Etoile Sahel were held to a surprise draw as the form of some of the competition favourites hit an obstacle at the weekend.

Etoile were expected to keep up their 100 percent record in Group A -- and extend their lead at the top of the standings -- but conceded a late goal to be held 1-1 by Al Hilal of Sudan.

Ziad Boughattas put the home side ahead in Sousse in a game that was played past midnight after a late kick-off due to Ramadan. Fellow defender Rami Bedoui provided the assist as Boughtattas swept home a volley from close range.

But the Sudanese champions, who had drawn their opening two games, forced another tie as Mohamed Musa equalised in the 80th minute, sprinting past the home defence and chipping the goalkeeper.

Etoile still top the standings but Ferroviario have moved into second spot after recording their first group-phase victory by beating Sudan's other representative Al Merreikh.

Dayo's 67th-minute strike sent the Estadio Chiveve into raptures in Mozambique's second city. He glided between two defenders before turning inside and striking from close range. It is the first time the railway club are competing in the Champions League.

Zanaco won at home for a second successive match day as they took over the leadership of Group D.

The 2-1 triumph over Coton Sport left their Cameroonian opponents rock bottom without a single point as the only team among the 16 in the four groups of this year's expanded Champions League to lose their opening three games.

Saith Sakala put Zanaco ahead in the ninth minute when he headed in Richard Kasonde's cross with a fine effort from behind the penalty spot. But Coton Sport equalised in the 24th minute through captain Moussa Souleymanou, who scored with a similar long-range header.

Hopes of a point were snatched away as Coton Sport sloppily defended an 85th-minute corner allowing substitute Diddy Kitumbo to head home from almost underneath the crossbar.

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