Morocco’s Raja won 1-0 against its Guinean guest Al-Hurriya on Friday at Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca in the third round of the group stage of the African Champions League, and Sudan’s Al-Merreikh beat its compatriot Al-Hilal 2-1, while Algeria’s ES Setif lost 1-0 to Hosted by Amazulu, South Africa.

With its third win in a row, Raja consolidated its lead in the second group after achieving the full mark with 9 points, while Al-Hurriya was in the last fourth place without a balance after receiving the third defeat.

Raja, who played among his fans and under the watchful eye of Morocco coach Wahid Halilhodzic, faced great difficulties to impose his style of play, and the first half was dull in the absence of real opportunities, while the opponent had 3 chances to score.

Raja's performance improved in the second half, and was able to score the winning goal in the 67th minute through captain Mohsen Metwally with a shot from a difficult angle after goalkeeper Moussa Camara's wrong exit, after a cross pass by full-back Abdel Jalil Jubeira from the left side.

Goalkeeper Marawan Fakhr excelled in preserving the progress of hope, as he eliminated danger on several occasions, including the Guinean freedom goal twice.

🎥 Match summary:

With a free goal, Amazolo achieves the second consecutive victory in the CAF Champions League group stage at the expense of ES Setif!

✅#TotalEnergiesCAFCL |

#AFCESS |

@AmaZuluFootball |

@essetifienne |

@Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/ZNXUQThaFX

- CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup 🏆 (@CAFCLCC_ar) February 25, 2022

Setif's situation worsened

Earlier in the same group, the position of Algeria's ES Setif deteriorated, after its 1-0 defeat against its South African host, Amazulu, on Friday.

Setif remained in third place with 3 points, while Amazulu finished with 6 points, behind leaders Raja Casablanca.

🎥 Match summary:

🇸🇩 After an exciting meeting between the two teams, Al-Marikh wins 2-1 at the expense of Al-Hilal in the group stage of the African Champions League.#TotalEnergiesCAFCL |

#MSCHSC |

@Almerrikh08


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@AlHilalSC_ |

@Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/rGx2bFOWFc

- CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup 🏆 (@CAFCLCC_ar) February 25, 2022

Mars defeats the crescent

In the first group, Sudan's Merreikh beat his compatriot Al Hilal 2-1, in the third round of the group, which is witnessing a heated competition.

Al-Marikh raised its score to 4 points, to occupy second place behind the South African leader, Sun Downs, who faces Al-Ahly of Egypt on Saturday, while Al-Hilal is bottom of the group with one point.