Al Ahly 0-0 Inter Miami
Al Ahly’s first-half performance against Inter Miami was enviable. The Cairo club’s constant pressing and suffocating of Javier Mascherano’s men was superb, but the biggest problem that has let down the continent in major competitions visited them. Failing to score is the problem. The opening game of the competition did not produce any goals, but El Shenawy, who showed why he has been Egypt and AL Ahly’s number 1 for years, Ahmed Kouka, Marwan Ateya, Ben Romdhane, and Abou Ali all shone. Jose Reveiro’s side had a decent game but will rue all the missed chances, especially the penalty miss in the first half by Trezeguet. The matchday 2 fixture against Palmeiras of Brazil is a win-or-bust for the Egyptian champions.
Flamengo 2-0 Esperance
Flamengo has been among the best two clubs in Brazil in the last 5 seasons, and Esprance opening their campaign against them was very tricky. The Brazilians defeated the Tunisians 2-0 with de Arrascaete and Araujo scoring in either half. Kanzari’s side was dominated and beaten easily as the midfield of Ogbelu and Guenichi failed to match the veterans Jorginho and Erik Pulgar. Pedro, de Arraescaeta and Luiz Araujo made life difficult for the perennial centre back pairing of Tougai and Meriah. Youcef Belaili and Yan Sasse were Esperance’s brightest players in attack, as Jebali and Rodrigo Rodrigues did not get the needed supplies to threaten Flamengo. Next on the list is a crucial game against Los Angeles FC, where they can’t afford to lose.
Ulsan Hyundai 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns were the first side from Africa to record a win in the competition. It was against South Korean giants Ulsan HD where the Brazilians announced their style of play to the world. The South Africans, as usual, enjoyed possession, having won 68% as against 38%. They had 14 total shots which only two were on target. South African striker Iqram Reyners scored the only goal after latching onto a precise pass from Lucas Ribeiro. Sundowns’ understanding in defence, midfield and attack was so good as their build-up from Ronwen Williams via Kekana to Mokoena, then to Ribeiro was nice. The Sundowns players got high ratings with Ribeiro, Mokoena, Williams, Rayners, Allende and Kupido all making huge impacts. Sundowns will face Dortmund in their second game, and it is a far bigger test than the Ulsan match. Miguel Cardozo was proud of the performance in matchday one and will be Oliver Twist, where he will ask for more. The victory fetched them $2M, and the club expects to bag more cash.
Manchester City 2-0 Wydad Casablanca
Goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku were enough for the English side to beat Wydad of Morocco by 2-0. The Moroccans heading into the tournament had been disastrous in the Moroccan Botola PRO under the leadership of the sensational South African head coach Rulani Mokwena. The club finished third, forcing the hierarchy to call for changes at the helm. They made incredible signings, including the addition of veteran Moroccan forward, Amrabat, from Hull City and Burkinabe international Aziz Ki from Tanzanian side Young Africans. The Red Devils of Morocco exceeded expectations by matching City toe to toe. The club conceded an early goal but steadily weathered the early storm and played and created many chances. Caisus Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch stretched Pep Guardiola’s side but failed to score goals. WAC will be very happy for themselves and will target at least 4 points in their games against Juventus and Al Ain.
