Antwi brace not enough for Al Ahly
Ghana’s John Antwi scored a brace for Egyptian and African giants Al Ahly as they returned to the CAF Champions League last Saturday, but they were not enough to save them from a 2-3 loss to Zambia side, Zesco.
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Al Ahly, eight times winners and who are back to the group stage of the CAF Champions League for the first time in two years, were determined to make up for recent disappointments in Africa's premier club competition, but were upset by Zesco, who have never gone beyond the group stage, with a famous home victory in Ndola.
Midfielder John Chingandu put the Zambian side ahead with a goal after 27 minutes, only for Ahly to equalise three minutes later through Ghana striker John Antwi.
It took just five minutes of the second half for the hosts to regain the lead, as Clatous Chama scored after 50 minutes and then again after 56 minutes to give the Zambians a 3-1 lead.
Ahly, coached by former Tottenham manager Martin Jol, tried to claw their way back in, and they were rewarded with another Antwi goal after 67 minutes.
Ahly’s rivals, Zamalek, put their domestic disappointment behind them to open their African Champions League group campaign last Sunday with a 1-0 victory away to Enyimba of Nigeria.
Zamalek, keen to seek consolation for their slip in the Egyptian league, were one of three African sides to win their away group games at the weekend.
Mamelodi Sundowns were 2-0 winners at Entente Setif, whilst in Group A Wydad Casablanca won 1-0 at Asec Mimosas in Cote d’Ivoire.
