CAF Champions League: Pause for AFCON as Pyramids, Berkane shine
The 2024-25 CAF Champions League group stage has paused for the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a clear early picture after two matchdays. Defending champions Pyramids FC and Morocco’s RS Berkane are the only teams with perfect records, each securing six points.
Pyramids followed an opening 3-0 win with a 1-0 victory over Zambia’s Power Dynamos. Berkane staged a dramatic comeback, scoring twice in stoppage time to beat Nigeria’s Rivers United 2-1.
Heavyweights Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns were held to draws. Al Ahly needed a penalty save to secure a 1-1 draw with AS FAR, while Sundowns played out a goalless stalemate with MC Alger. Both remain group leaders with four points.
Surprise package Petro de Luanda tops Group D, also on four points, after holding Tunisia’s Esperance to a draw. Esperance, a pre-tournament favorite, is struggling with just two points from two games.
Other notable disappointments include Tanzania’s Simba SC, which sits last in its group after a loss to Stade Malien, and MC Alger, which has only one point despite a high-profile coaching appointment.
The tournament will resume after the AFCON, with the third round of matches scheduled from January 23.
