The head coach of Al-Merrikh, Osama Nabih, led his team to a draw against AS Otôho d’Oyo of Congo with a score of 1-1 in the match that took place on Sunday.
The game was part of the first preliminary round for the group stage of the 2023/2024 CAF Champions League.
Brazilian forward Bryan Ederson scored the goal for Al-Merrikh in the third minute, giving them an early lead at the start of the match at Alphonse Massemba-Débat Stadium.
On the other side, AS Otôho d’Oyo equalized with Kader Bidimbou in the 31st minute of the game.
Osama Nabih needs to achieve a goalless draw or win with any result to lead Al-Merrikh to the next round of the CAF Champions League.
Al-Merrikh Club officially lodged a formal objection with the match observer regarding the eligibility of seven players in the Congolese team Ottoho’s squad to participate in their match against Al-Merrikh.
The second leg match between Al-Merrikh and AS Otôho d’Oyo is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 26th, in the return of the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, aiming to qualify for the group stage of the 2023/2024 season.