Rwanda international Ernest Sugira scored the opening goal as AS Vita of DR Congo beat Gambia Ports Authority 2-0 on Sunday to advance to the CAF Champions’ League group stages.

The former AS Muhanga, APR FC and AS Kigali striker struck a 45th minute header before Frank Ondo doubled the lead in the 80th minute to ensure a deserved victory for Jean-Florent Ibenge’s outfit at the Stade de Marthyrs in Kinshasa.

The win saw AS Vita qualify to the group stage 3-0 on aggregate after winning the first leg 1-0 in Gambia a week ago.

The 25-year old Amavubi striker is now set to make his debut in the group stage of the continent’s biggest club competition.

Meanwhile, Amavubi skipper Haruna Niyonzima saw his team Young Africans (Yanga) of Tanzania eliminated from the Champions League after a goalless draw against Zambia’s Zanaco FC the same team that also eliminated Rwanda’s APR FC at the first hurdle.

Although the first leg ended 0-0 in Lusaka, the Zambians won on away goals rule after drawing 1-1 in Dar es Salaam on Saturday to go through to the group stages, Yanga will now enter the CAF Confederation Cup playoff round where they will play one of the first-round winners from that competition.

Elsewhere, St George of Ethiopia sailed through to the group phase of the Champions’ league after beating visiting AC Leopards from Congo 2-0 to win the tie 3-0 on aggregate.

In Harare, Caps United eliminated former champions TP Mazembe after a goalless draw in the second leg to qualify on the away goal rule following their first leg’s 1-all draw in Lubumbashi.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa came from behind to draw 1-1 with Kampala Capital City Authority in Uganda to advance 3-2 on aggregate.

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