FC Platinum lose to Al Hilal in C.L Grp B opener

Zimbabwe’s representatives in the CAF Champions League FC Platinum suffered a 2-1 defeat in their opening Group B game against Al Hilal in Omdurman, Sudan on Friday night.

The hosts set an early and took the game to the Platinum Boys, forcing two successive saves from Francis Tizayi. They also got a couple of corner-kicks in the opening moments.

FC Platinum, on the other end, never created a chance until the 17th minute when Gift Mbweti sent his effort wide. The Zimbabwe champions came back again a few moments later with Devon Chafa and Never Tigere, but they both missed the target.

Despite making a couple of goal attempts, Al Hilal continued to hold the edge and broke the deadlock in the 26th minute through Mohamed Musa Eldai.

The Sudanese team had the ball in the back of the net again five minutes later but, fortunately for FC Platinum, it was ruled out for an offside.

The away side tried to pick up the momentum in the second half but failed to break beyond the last line. They, however, relied on shooting from a range and Kelvin Madzongwe got the team’s first strike on target just moments after the hour.

Eldai got his second of the day on the 70th minute to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.

FC Platinum fought back and pulled one back through Never Tigere who converted from a free-kick ten minutes from time. However, the goal was a mare consolation as it ended 2-1 in favour of Al Hilal.

In another Group B encounter also played on Friday, Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia edged a ten-man Egyptian side, Al Ahly 1-0 with Yassine Chikhaoui scoring the solitary goal in the second half.

CAF Champions League – Group B Results:
Al Hilal 2-1 FC Platinum
Etoile du Sahel 1-0 Al Ahly

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