SUNSHINE STARS grabs q-final ticket,HEARTLAND out

Sunshine Stars beat Djoliba 1-0 to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League, while Heartland crashed out of the Confederation Cup. Sunshine advanced to the money- spinning phase of the Champions League 2-1 on aggregate, but Heartland joined fellow Nigerians Warri Wolves to exit the Confederation Cup on the away goals rule after they lost 2-1 at AC Leopard of Congo. Aggregate scores stood at 4-4 but AC Leopard moved to the final round of the qualifiers on the away goal rule as they scored more goals away from home when they lost 3-2 in Owerri a fortnight ago. Heartland woes may be compounded if they are disqualified from the Imo State Federation Cup after their quarterfinal clash with Police Machine FC was abandoned as they languish in 15th place on the Nigeria Premier League table. Sunshine, who reached the last four of the Confederation Cup last year, booked their passage to the last eight of Africa’s foremost club competition thanks to a 35th minute strike by Eagles forward Izu Azuka. Overall, both Sunshine and Djoliba posted a lack lustre display. The group phase of the Champions League will be played from July.