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RECALLED Warriors striker Edward Sadomba struck his fifth Champions League goal of the 2014 campaign as his Libyan outfit Ahly Benghazi grabbed their first win of the group phase in Tunisia.There was also a first win for perennial Egyptian campaigners Zamalek as both sides boosted their chances in the premier continental club championship.
Libyan side Ahly Benghazi beat Esperance Sportive de Tunis 3-2 in the Group B fixture in Sfax, the second successive loss for the Tunisians at this stage, whilst Zamalek coughed out a 2-1 win over Al Hilal of Sudan in their Group A clash in Cairo.
For Esperance, the result further pushes them to the bottom of the standings after failing to pick a point from the two games so far.
The defeat will increase pressure on Dutchman Ruud Krol and his charges for a turnaround in the subsequent matches to remain in contention.
The Libyans broke the deadlock after five minutes through Zimbabwean import Sadomba before Farag Mbarak doubled the lead seven minutes later to give the hosts a commanding lead.
Sadomba is now expected to fly home tomorrow to join the Warriors ahead of their African Cup Nations, first round, second leg tie against Tanzania at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Two-time winners Esperance pulled one back through Ahmed Akaichi but Nigerian Moses Orkuma restored the two-goal lead of the Libyans before half time.
Esperance fought back but managed a consolation through Oussama Darragi on 78 minutes.
Ahly Benghazi who lost their opening game to Sfaxien have three points – the same as the Tunisians who were due to play Entente Setif of Algeria in Setif later yesterday.
In Cairo, Mohamed Abdel Shafy scored a late winner to hand Zamalek their first win at this stage.
Dominique da Silva headed the White Knights into the lead on five minutes before Hilal’s Sudanese forward Mudathir Eltaieb “Careca” capitalised on a blunder by Yasser Ibrahim to round Abdel Wahed and fire into the yawning net.
On 81 minutes, Abdel Shafy controlled beautifully before blasting into the net for the match winner.
Zamalek are tied on three points with Hilal and AS Vita Club, who engage pointless TP Mazembe later last night in Lubumbashi. — Cafonline.com/Sports Reporter.
Online Reporter