Martins One
Step To Group Stage
Liberian international Ben MCCarthy Martins is just
one step away from achieving a memorable feat to become the first
Liberian to play in the lucrative group stage of the One Million
Dollar African Champions League. With just one match to go, only a
grueling 90 minute stands between the player and a place in the
group stage.
Liberiansoccer.com Wleh Bedell sails through the details.
The club of Ben Martins, Zambian champions outfit ZESCO United was
among a host of clubs that played the first round matches for a
place in the 1/8 final over the weekend.
The Liberian mazy forward Ben Martins' side ZESCO United survived in
Mali with a barren draw.
According to reports monitored, the Zambians played without the
Liberian starlet who was surprisingly rested for the first time in
the on going campaign.
The player who already has two goals in the competition, one each
against Kenyan side Manthare United and Ivorian club Africa Sports,
was said to be rested for the second leg which takes place in two
weeks time after the team's coach's resulted to a more negative
approach. With ZESCO United being a formidable customer on home
ground, the Trade Fair Stadium which is known as 'Old Trafford'
among the locals will be a difficult hunting ground for the Malians,
as ZESCO United are keen to qualify for the group stage which would
make them the first Zambian side to do so.
In other matches played, reigning champs Al-Ahly of Egypt managed a
hard earned 1-1 draw away to Nigerian side Kano Pillars. A 20 minute
strike from Victor Namo gave the hosts the first laugh, but 20
minutes to the end, Hani Al-Egeizi headed home the leveler, courtesy
of a cross from Gilberto. The Egyptians played without key regulars
in the form of Mohamed Barakat, Ahmed Hassan and Shady Mohamet.
Despite the presence of Slovanian Coach Iva Sahj who took over days
before the match, the Nigerian side could not pull a much needed win
at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
A first half brace from Bena and a solitary strike from Mano after
59 minutes was all Angolan side CD. 1e De Agusto needed to pull a
comfortable first leg win against Sudanese side Al- Hilal who could
only get a consolation through Blaise Mbele after five minutes.
While their rivals were strugggling, Sudanese club Al-Merrikh put
their Champions League ambition on course with a 1-0 away victory to
Kampala City Council (KCC). One of three Nigerians on the squad,
Endurance Idahor's 54th minute striker was enough to get the win at
the Nikavubu Stadium. With former Nigerian club Enyimaba hit-man,
Stephen Worgu who was transfered for a record fee of 2.6 million
United States Dollars, the Sudanese are favored to book a place in
the group stage.
Liberian Champions club Black Star's conquerors, Heartland FC (10-1
goal aggreagte) managed a 2-1 win over last season runners-up Coton
Sport of Cameroun. Emeka Nwana got the winner after recess minutes
after Coton's Ahmadou Eboa Ngomna's leveller.
The host had drawn first blood through Stanley Okoro.
Ivorian club Asec Mimosa pinned Ittihad Z. Khemesset of Morocco 1-0
in Abidjan, courtesy of a strike from the spot through Yao Kouassi
after playmaker Kaluyituka Dioko was impeded in the box after 28
minutes.
In another result Ahly Tripoli of Libya were held at home 0-0 to ESS
of Tunisia.
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