CAF Champions League: Horoya eliminate Al Hilal Benghazi

Guinean giants Horoya AC found a late goal to defeat Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi 2-0 and advance in the second leg of their CAF Champions League clash on Saturday.

Mohamed Keita pounced in the Hilal penalty area to fire in the winning goal in second half stoppage time, sending the 21-time Guinean champions through to final round of qualifying in Africa’s premier club competition. Keita’s goal sparked joyful celebrations from the Horoya team, who hosted the second match in Bamako, Mali.

Hilal failed to impose themselves both home and away, opening up an opportunity for the Guinean club. Star striker Yakhouba Gnagna Barry provided the breakthrough with a fantastic bicycle kick after Hilal failed to clear a floated free kick into their penalty area.

Hilal struggled to recover from the blow and from then on it was a tense affair that appeared destined for penalty kicks to determine a winner. However, more difficulty with defending set pieces by Hilal allowed Horoya to snatch a late goal.

Horoya have not reached the group stage of the Champions League since the 2021-22 season but after winning their first domestic league title since that season, they are one step away from the group stage. They will likely face Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat in the final qualifying round, who are anticipated to finish off an aggregate victory against Gambian side Real de Banjul later on Saturday.