Portuguese coaches and players made a significant impact in the opening matches of the African Champions League group stage this weekend, securing key victories for their respective teams.
In a Group B fixture on Saturday, Tanzania’s Young Africans, led by Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves, defeated Morocco’s FAR Rabat, coached by fellow Portuguese Alexandre Santos, with a 1-0 scoreline. The lone goal came from Zimbabwean Prince Dube in the 58th minute, pushing Young Africans to the top of their group.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, last season’s finalists and under the guidance of Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, also started their Group C campaign with a decisive 3-1 home win against Congo’s St. Eloi Lupopo. Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos was instrumental, scoring two goals in the 5th and 77th minutes.
Santos’s first goal was assisted by compatriot Miguel Reisinho. He also provided an assist for Chilean Marcelo Allende’s goal in the 61st minute. Wanet Kashala scored for St. Eloi Lupopo in the 44th minute.
Young Africans’ win places them as the early leaders in Group B, which also includes Egypt’s Al-Ahly, a record 12-time champion, and Algeria’s JS Kabylie, who are scheduled to play on Sunday. Other teams mentioned in the competition include Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman and Algeria’s MC Alger in Group D.