CAF Champions League: After draw in Libya
Angolan club Petro Atletico booked their place in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals despite being held to a 0-0 draw away to Libyan side Al Hilal in their penultimate Group C clash on Friday evening.
The result in Benghazi means the Angolan champions progress to the last eight of the competition, establishing an unassailable lead at the top of their group.
Petro went into the game knowing just a point would be enough to seal qualification, and they produced a disciplined defensive performance to earn the point they required.
Al Hilal enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and chances but found Petro goalkeeper Hugo Marques inspired as he made several vital saves to keep a clean sheet.
Petro offered intermittent threat on the counter-attack, with striker Tiago Azulao going close several times. Still, they were content to soak up the pressure from the hosts.
In the end, Petro held on relatively comfortably to extend their unbeaten record in the group to four matches.
The point lifts them onto nine points after five games, ensuring they will finish in the top two in Group C regardless of results in the final round of matches next weekend.
It marks a significant achievement for Petro, enjoying a fine season in the Champions League campaign.
Al Hilal still has hopes of joining them in the last eight. They sit second on five points, level with Tunisian club Esperance.
The two sides meet next Friday in a straight shootout for the other qualifying spot behind Petro.
Meanwhile, Simba of Tanzania clinched a hard-fought goalless draw in their Friday visit to ASEC Mimosa’s home turf in Abidjan.
Despite an intense battle, Simba secured the draw against their Ivorian counterparts, keeping their dreams of progression alive in the competition.
This result sees them rise to 6 points on the standings, securing the second spot in the group.
