Ghanaian club Medeama’s hopes of advancing in the CAF Champions League took a significant blow after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Friday, February 23.
The match, held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, saw Al Ahly solidify their lead in Group D with nine points, thanks to a solitary goal from Hussein El Shaha in the 48th minute.
This defeat leaves Medeama rooted to the bottom of the group with just four points after five games. Their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages now hang by a thread, relying on a favourable outcome in tomorrow’s match between Algerian side CR Belouizdad and Tanzania’s Young Africans. A draw in that fixture would be their only lifeline for qualification.
Medeama’s final group stage encounter is an away fixture against CR Belouizdad in Algeria on March 1. However, even a victory in that game might not be enough, depending on the results of other match in the group.
This defeat underscores the difficulties faced by Ghanaian clubs competing against established teams like Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League. While their qualification hopes are faint, Medeama will undoubtedly aim to finish the group stage on a strong note in their upcoming away fixture.