Juba, South Sudan- Pyramids FC secured a 1-0 victory over El Merriekh SC Bentiu in the first leg of the CAF Champions League Round of 32 at Juba National Stadium on Friday.
Mahmoud Saber Abdelmohsen scored the decisive goal in the 30th minute, firing from outside the penalty area. His effort struck the left post before crossing the line to give the Egyptian visitors the lead.
El Merriekh pressed aggressively through the flanks during the opening stages but struggled to turn their attacking pressure into goals against a disciplined Pyramids defence.
The South Sudanese side continued to search for an equaliser after the break, making several substitutions in an attempt to change the course of the match.
Tensions rose in the 81st minute when El Merriekh appealed for a penalty, prompting a brief interruption after some supporters threw water bottles onto the pitch.
Pyramids were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute after defender Mahmoud Marei was sent off, but the visitors held on through the closing stages to secure the win.
The result gives Pyramids a slender advantage ahead of the return leg, while El Merriekh must find a way to overturn the deficit to keep their continental campaign alive.
