The sixth day of the group stage of the CAF Champions League ended this Sunday afternoon. Raja, in the hot seat, is eliminated from the competition despite his victory.
No longer master of his destiny, the Raja Casablanca secured a 1-0 victory against Maniema Union on the final day of the group stage of the CAF Champions League at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. Adam Ennafati scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the 45th +5, after a foul caused by Zerhouni. The match was balanced, with many chances on both sides, totaling more than 41 shots on goal. Despite this victory, Raja finished third in group B with 9 points and was eliminated from the competition.
To qualify, the Greens had to hope for a big defeat for AS FAR against Mamelodi Sundowns, which did not happen. This elimination is a hard blow for the Moroccan club, which will have won only two victories in six matches. It will leave a bitter taste for Raja supporters who were hoping for a miracle for qualification.
For Maniema Union, already eliminated before this match, this defeat concludes a disastrous campaign with zero victories in six matches. The Congolese club finished last in the group with only 3 points.
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At the same time, the meeting between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR ended in a one-goal draw, on the other side of the continent. The match was expected to be difficult for AS FAR, with Mamelodi Sundowns renowned for their solidity at home with 58 wins in 80 Champions League matches and a perfect home record in the league this season. Peter Shalulile opened the scoring for the South Africans in the 12th minute with a header from a set piece. Sundowns maintained their advantage until the 83rd minute, when Amine Zouzouh equalized for the Moroccans with a superb strike into the penalty area.
This result was crucial for both teams. AS FAR, already qualified, sought to maintain its first place in group B. Despite the pressure, Hubert Velud’s men managed to snatch a draw, enough to finish at the top of group B with 10 points.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, second in the group before the match, securing at least one point was necessary to avoid getting a scare with Raja Casablanca, who could have returned to equal points. The South Africans also qualified for the quarter-finals by finishing second with 9 points.
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