CAF Confederation Cup weekend wrap: USM Alger, Zamalek, and Esperanca pick home wins

The CAF Confederation Cup produced interesting outcomes on Sunday as the second most prestigious tournament in the continent entered the group stages.

Egyptian giants, Zamalek who won the competition in 2019 narrowly snatched a win in their opening Group B encounter with a 1-0 win over Libya’s Abu Salem at home courtesy of a 73rd-minute strike by Youssef Obama.

In a simultaneous Group B fixture, Sagrada Esperanca welcomed Guinean side, CO Coyah to Angola. A goal in each half saw the Angolan side secure maximum points thanks to Lepua’s 35th-minute opener before Luis Tati secured the victory in the 75th minute.

Another Angolan side was in action on Sunday as Academica do Lobito traveled to Nigeria to face Rivers United, who comfortably cruised past the Angolans with a heavy 3-0 scoreline thanks to goals from Samuel Antwi in the 3rd minute before Paul Odeh and Shedrack Asiegbu put the game beyond reach for the visitors.

In Congo, Diables Noirs suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Stade Malien.

The Malian visitors wasted no time in punishing what seemed to be a disorganized Diables Noirs defense.

Amadou Traore fired the visitors into the lead in the 4th minute before Yoro Diaby doubled the lead just a few minutes later. With minutes before the break, Issah Yakubu made it three as the hosts went into the break a dejected side.

A consolation was found by Lorry Nkolo in the 69th minute, who converted a penalty to conclude the match with a 3-1 defeat at home.

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A full day of high-octane African club football was on display throughout the continent as the group stages marked the resumption of the exciting competition currently held by USM Alger.

The defending champions went top of Group A after a 2-0 victory at home over Al Hilal Benghazi of Libya.

Away from home, the Libyans made the champions work hard for their victory as they kept them at bay for most parts of the encounter.

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It took 54 minutes for the Algerians to eventually get the opener with Islam Merili being on target before Tumisang Orebonye put the final nail in the coffin in referee’s additional time to give his side the victory.

In another fixture up north, two-time champions (2020, 2022), RS Berkane played host to tournament debutants, Sekhukhune United of South Africa.

The former champions wasted no time in getting the lead as Adil Tahif opened the scoring in the 14th minute before a late strike towards the closing stages of the game by Youssef El Fahli secured maximum points for the hosts.

CAF Confederation Cup action resumes next weekend with more bumper-to-bumper action lined up across the continent, as the race towards a place in the quarter-finals gains momentum.

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Source: CAF