Their loss means that they remain bottom of the group with a solitary point from three games. Further, it means that they need a miracle in the second round in order to keep their slim hopes of reaching the group stages alive.
The first half featured a defensive play from both sides, resulting in low-scoring chances created. But the visitors nearly took the lead in the 17th minute when Khaled Bousseliou pounced on a loose ball in the goal area. However, his well taken shot fell in the hands of Galaxy goalie Anthony Gouws. Minutes later, CR midfielder Mohamed Bakir was given acres of space to shoot from a distance. His well-executed shot went inches over the bar with the goalie looking well beaten. Galaxy’s only notable chance came in the 32nd minute.
Gilbert Baruti failed to connect with Wendell Rudath’s well taken cross from right with CR goalkeeper Ahmed Aboelkader the only man to beat. In fact, Rudath was the best performing Galaxy player on the day but often times the Namibian found himself isolated. The visitors dominated the second half and forced Galaxy to play much in their own area. CR were rewarded for their efforts in 77th minute when Merzougui Kheiredine coolly controlled a cross from the right and calmly slotted the ball past an advancing Gouws.
It did not take Galaxy long to respond. In the 84th minute Baruti capatilised on a poor clearance from a CR defender in the box and launched a very powerful low shot which gave the visitors’ goal minder no chance. Galaxy slowed down after their equaliser and committed a few defensive blunders. They were eventually punished in the 93rd minute.
Kheiredine scored with a tap in after Gouws failed to deal with a long range shot from Mokhtar Belkhehither, eventually completing his brace and giving his team the much needed win. Galaxy are four points behind group leaders ES Tunis of Tunisia. Following their victory, CR are now on position two with four points while another Tunisian side Es Sahel are third with three points. All teams have played three matches.
The Teams:
Galaxy: Gouws, Thabo Leinenyane (C),Mphoyamodimo Keiponye, Moagi Sechele, Lucky Mokoena (Resaobaka Thatanyane), Themba Dhladhla, Baruti, Tshephang Boithatelo, Thabang Mooketsi, Rudath, Thabang Sesinyi
CR: Ahmed Aboelkader, Chouhaib Kedoad, Zakaria Draoui, Mohamed Bakir, Housseyn Selmi, Khaled Bousseliou, Sofiane Bouchar (C), Mokhtar Belkhehither, Zinelaabdine Boulakhoua, Houssem Mrezigue
