Horoya Athletic Club claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh SC in their CAF Champions League encounter, with Yakhouba Gnagna Barry scoring the decisive goal to give the Guinean side an advantage ahead of the return leg.
The Matamkas produced a disciplined performance in a closely contested encounter, with both teams battling for control in a match where defensive organisation proved crucial.
The breakthrough arrived in the 45th minute, just as the first half approached its conclusion. Horoya forward Yakhouba Gnagna Barry found the back of the net to break the deadlock, sending the home supporters into celebration and giving his side a valuable lead at the interval.
Al-Merrikh returned for the second half determined to find an equaliser, applying pressure in search of a way back into the contest. However, Horoya remained resolute at the back, frustrating the Sudanese side and protecting their slender advantage until the final whistle.
The victory gives Horoya an important boost in their quest to progress to the next round of Africa’s premier club competition. However, the one-goal margin means the tie remains finely balanced, leaving little room for complacency.
Horoya will now turn their attention to the return fixture, where they must reproduce their defensive discipline and attacking efficiency to complete the job and secure qualification.
For Al-Merrikh, the defeat leaves them with work to do, but the narrow scoreline offers the Sudanese giants an opportunity to fight back on home soil and keep their Champions League ambitions alive.
