Riad Benayad scored a sensational brace in the final five minutes of the match as Algerian side ES Setif twice came from behind to steal a 3-2 win at the death against Horoya AC and storm into the quarter finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Friday.
Horoya had led 2-1 after Morlaye Sylla scored the second in the 58th minute, but the Guinean international turned from hero to villain as he was sent off with 10 minutes left.
Setif took advantage of the numerical prowess with Benayad scoring the equalizer in the 87th minute and then powering home the winner in the third minute of added time.
With the result, the Algerian side moves to nine points second in Group B and joins Raja Club Athletic in qualification. They edge out third placed AmaZulu who had earlier lost at home to Raja as they are three points behind.
Even if AmaZulu, who are on six points, win their last match and Setif lose, the South Africans cannot finish second due to poor head to head record against Setif, having lost to them home and away.
Horoya on the other end finish bottom of the table with three points.
The Guineans travelled to Algiers needing a win at all costs. They started well and went into the lead after 25 minutes when Seyei Sebe Baffour smashed the ball into the net after being set up by Yakhouba Barry.
They almost made it 2-0 on 25 minutes but skipper Ocansey Mandela forced a brilliant save off the Setif keeper.
In the second half, the hosts rallied back into the match after just 90 seconds of the restart. Akram Djahnit struck a sublime shot into the net after picking up the ball inside the box off a corner.
But, Horoya went back into the lead in the 58th minute when Sylla was set up by a cross from Khadim Diaw with his first time side foot shot finding the back of the net.
Sylla was however shown red when he received a second yellow card after 80 minutes.
With a one-man advantage, Setif piled pressure and sent more bodies upfront and were rewarded in the 87th minute when Benayad scored with a well taken shot from inside the box.
He then netted the winner in the third minute of added time when Djahnit rolled a freekick to his path and he smashed a shot home from outside the area.
Source: CAF
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He is also a father of 4 children and married to His partner Moana who is of Australian descent. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
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