Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Europe's triumph was their 11th in the past 15 Cup showdowns and their fourth on the road in that span, the first away victory since Europe's 2012 "Miracle at Medinah." Americans lead the all-time rivalry 27-16-2 but Europe lead 13-9-1 since the roster was expanded beyond Britain and Ireland in 1979.
Simba were held 1–1 by Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam but progressed 2–1 on aggregate. Kenya's Police FC, meanwhile, lost 2–0 at home to Mogadishu City, leaving the tie locked at 3–3 over two legs, but advanced thanks to the away-goals rule after their 3–1 first-leg victory in Somalia.
Following the result, the aggregate score of 3-3 was enough to see Police make it through to the next round, after winning the first leg clash 3-1 at the same venue last weekend.
Shabana claimed their second straight win of the season with a hard fought 1-0 success over Bandari FC in Mombasa, while APS Bomet lost their second match of the season, going down 2-0 to the visiting Murang'a Seal FC.
Europe shook off over-the-top hecklers in the New York crowd to seize command, needing only two wins and a draw from Sunday's 12 concluding singles matches to retain the Cup. The Americans must reach 14.5 points to reclaim the trophy.
Étoile Sportive du Sahel or (ESS) is one of Africa's most successful clubs, with a strong record in Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions. They are the only African club to have won all official CAF club competitions.
Six years had passed since Marquez last stood proudly on the summit of motorcycle racing - years filled with doubts, crashes, broken bones and whispers of retirement when the most dominant rider on the grid often looked like a ghost of himself.
Europe delivered clutch putting and impressive shot making under intense heckling from a raucous New York crowd to seize command over a humbled American squad which boasts 12 of the world's 23 top-ranked players.
"If one team deserved to win today, it was Palace," said Slot. Credit to Palace - with the Community Shield it's not the first time we've lost to them. "They deserved to be two or three up in the first half."
Tanzania giants Young Africans also progressed to the second round after defeating Wiliete of Angola 2-0 at home on Saturday. Second half goals by Pacome Zouzoua and Aziz Andabwile helped Yanga to the win to advance 5-0 on aggregate.
Maresca's side were leading through Enzo Fernandez's 24th-minute header when Blues defender Trevoh Chalobah was dismissed for a poor tackle on Diego Gomez.
After an action-packed day across the continent, Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), Nairobi United (Kenya), Académie de FAD (Côte d’Ivoire), San Pédro (Côte d’Ivoire), and Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) all advanced to the Second Preliminary Round.