CAF Champions League Wrap: Pirates sink Al Ahly, Leopards maul Zamalek

Orlando Pirates moved to the top of CAF Champions League Group A with a comfortable 3-0 win over Al Ahly.

The South African outfit were always in command against their Egyptian opponents in a clash moved from Cairo to El Gouna because of security concerns.

Striker Thandani Ntshumayelo gave Orlando the lead 12 minutes into the contest with a clinical finish from close range.

Al Ahly were then gifted a chance to level matters on 37 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Andile Jali felled attacker Ahmed Abdul Zaher.

However, Walid Solimann could not convert from the spot, with Senzo Meyiwa making a brilliant save in the Orlando goal.

Al Ahly’s fortunes worsened when Zaher was sent off in first half injury time for a second bookable offence, and from that point on there was no way back for the hosts.

The Pirates subsequently wrapped things thanks to Jali’s 73rd-minute penalty and Sifiso Myeni’s goal three minutes later.

AC Leopards sit level on points with Orlando in second, after the Congolese club edged past Zamalek 1-0.

Zamalek’s chances were dealt a blow in the 35th minute when Mahmoud Fathalla was dismissed after collecting his second yellow card for handling in the area.

That indiscretion gifted Leopards the chance to seize the advantage, and midfielder Tychique Ntela Kalema made no mistake as he converted from 12 yards to net what proved to be the winner.