Sudan’s Al-Merrikh were rewarded for a hard working performance with a 1-0 victory over Algerian champions CR Belouizdad on Friday to start off the third matchday of the CAF Champions League. Brazilian striker Paulo Sérgio converted from the penalty spot for the game’s only goal as the visitors from Algeria struggled to break down a strong Merrikh defense. The Sudanese club leap past CRB into second place in Group D with four points from three matches while CRB remain on three points.
The defense remained strong for Merrikh as it has throughout their three matches in Group D but an improved attacking performance brought The Red Devils three points on Friday. Young Sudan national team forward Al-Jazoli Nooh joined Paulo Sérgio in providing a threat to the CRB defense and it was the Brazilian who created the match winner around the half hour mark.
A pass from midfield sent the striker in behind the defense and after poking the ball around CRB goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz he was brought down for a somewhat controversial penalty kick call from the referee. Paulo Sérgio had no issues dispatching the resulting spot kick by sending Guendouz the wrong way to give Merrikh their first lead in the group stage.
CRB continued their struggles in attack from last week’s home defeat to Espérance ST. Nigerian forward Anayo Iwuala appeared to find a late equalizer for the visitors after escaping a couple of Merrikh defenders in the box but was whistled for a foul before his excellent finish. It was a difficult day at the office for CRB and the Algerian club now need a victory when the clubs duel again in two weeks back in Algeria.
Highlights from Friday’s clash are below.
