Baghdad:Pyramids FC, Zamalek, and Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane have advanced to the group stage of the CAF Champions League after successfully navigating the second preliminary round on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sudan’s Al-Merrikh was eliminated after a penalty shootout.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Pyramids FC, the defending champions for the 2024-2025 season, secured a dominant victory over their South Sudanese opponents, Al-Merrikh Bentiu, with a score of 4-0. The goals were netted by Abdulrahman Magdi, who scored twice, Mostafa Fathi, and Algerian Nadyr Benbouhali. This win confirmed their advancement following a 1-0 victory in the first leg.

Zamalek, a five-time champion with their last title in 2002, also advanced after defeating Rwanda’s APR 1-0, thanks to a goal by Ahmed Sherif in the first minute. This win mirrored their first-leg result, where they won 1-0 with a goal by Nasser Mansi in the final minute.

Additionally, Renaissance Berkane secured their place in the group stage by defeating Sierra Leone’s Star Sport Academy 1-0, with a goal by Youssef Mehri in the 53rd minute. This added to their 2-0 first-leg victory, allowing them to advance with a 3-0 aggregate score.

In contrast, Al-Merrikh was knocked out by Guinea’s Horoya AC in a penalty shootout, losing 3-5, despite winning the second leg 1-0. The aggregate score was tied at 1-1, leading to their exit from the tournament.