CAF Confederation Cup: Home wins for Simba and tournament favorites Zamalek, USMA and RS Berkane

Photo Credit: RS Berkane

The 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup kicks off the group stage with plenty of interesting duels set between clubs from all over the African continent. Throughout the day we will update this article as the matches proceed with summaries, observations and videos of important moments!

Click here to read our coverage of the CAF Champions League matches on Tuesday

13:00 GMT

Group A: Simba SC (TZA) vs. Bravos do Maquis (ANG)- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium is usually a fortress for top Tanzanian clubs Simba and Young Africans but after yesterday’s defeat for Yanga in the venue, Simba will look to impose themselves on Angolan underdogs Bravos.

HT: Simba 1-0 Bravos do Maquis

The score flatters visitors Bravos from Angola who have hardly been able to get into the Simba half. Ivorian player Jean Charles Ahoua has the only goal so far, converting from the penalty spot after a handball committed by Bravos in their penalty area.

FT: Simba 1-0 Bravos do Maquis

Bravos substantially improved their level in the second half and earned a penalty less than two minutes after the break. However, Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara came up with a massive save. What looked like an easy walk for Simba turned into a tense affair with The Reds forced to hold on for three points.

16:00 GMT

Group D: Al Masry (EGY) vs. Enyimba (NGA)- Alexandria, Egypt

Group C: ASEC Mimosas (CIV) vs. ASC Jaraaf (SEN)- Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Group A: CS Sfaxien (TUN) vs. CS Constantine (DZA)- Sfax, Tunisia

Group B: Stade Malien (MLI) vs. Stellenbosch (RSA)- Bamako, Mali

Four intriguing duels across all groups in the second slate of matches. Egypt’s Al Masry are in confident form ahead of a home clash against Nigeria’s Enyimba who have a history of struggling to get results away from home in CAF competitions. A West African clash in Abidjan could see a decent opportunity for talented and in form Jaraaf of Senegal against a struggling ASEC Mimosas. Stade Malien host CAF club competition newcomers Stellenbosch of South Africa while an all-North African clash sees Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien host CSC of Algeria.

HT:

Al Masry 1-0 Enyimba

Egyptian outfit Al Masry takes a slander 1-0 lead over Enyimba in Alexandria. The Nigerians struggled in North Africa as they conceded an early goal through midfielder Mahmoud Hamada. Al Masry dominated the proceeding and created scoring chances in the first interval in which they squandered. Eniymba threatened to strike through fast breaks but to no avail. – Omna Taddele

ASEC Mimosas 1-0 ASC Jaraaf

CS Sfaxien 0-0 CS Constantine

Stade Malien 1-0 Stellenbosch

Generally it has been success for the home teams so far. Al Masry and Stade Malien found early goals while ASEC struck just before halftime in Abidjan. All matches are very competitive so far and there is almost certainly set to be some momentum shifts in the second half. In Sfax, there is yet to be a shot on goal between CS Sfaxien and CS Constantine in a match that may be decided by one moment of qualify.

FT:

Al Masry 2-0 Enyimba

The second half saw Al Masry continuously dominating the proceedings. The visitors still had chances in the interval to stage a come back but Mahmoud Hamada completed his brace fifteen minutes before full time to confirm victory in Alexandria. – Omna Taddele

ASEC Mimosas 2-0 ASC Jaraaf

CS Sfaxien 0-1 CS Constantine

Stade Malien 2-0 Stellenbosch

In Abidjan, two goals of qualify propelled ASEC Mimosas to a comfortable victory over Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf. CS Constantine captain Brahim Dib scored the late winner from an excellent assist by Mohamed Benchaira in Sfax to make CSC the first club to earn a road victory in the Confederation Cup group stage this season. Stellenbosch pushed for a leveler in Bamako against hosts Stade Malien but the historic club earned maximum points.

19:00 GMT

Group B: RS Berkane (MAR) vs. CD Lunda Sul (ANG)- Berkane, Morocco

Group C: USM Alger (DZA) vs. Orapa United (BWA)- Algiers, Algeria

Group D: Zamalek (EGY) vs. Black Bulls (MOZ)- Cairo, Egypt

The final group of fixtures features heavy favorites from North Africa hosting clubs who are eager to announce their presence on the continental stage. Defending champions Zamalek host Mozambique’s Black Bulls while last season’s runners-up RS Berkane host Angola’s CD Lunda Sul with both home sides highly expected to each earn three points. USM Alger host Botswana’s Orapa United, a team with a strong defense who will experience the fierce home support USMA enjoys.

HT:

RS Berkane 1-0 CD Lunda Sul

USM Alger 4-0 Orapa United

Zamalek 1-0 Black Bulls

The third round of matches today is going as expected so far for three of the tournament favorites. The exception is that Black Bulls have given defending champions Zamalek quite a tough challenge that was relieved a bit for the hosts when Esho scored just before halftime. USM Alger are thrashing Orapa United in Algiers and RS Berkane should have more goals but appear to be well in control against Angolan visitors CD Lunda Sul

FT:

RS Berkane 2-0 CD Lunda Sul

USM Alger 6-0 Orapa United

Zamalek 2-0 Black Bulls

A harsh return to reality for three group stage debutants as North African power clubs RS Berkane, USM Alger and Zamalek each ease to victory at home. RS Berkane and Zamalek found goals in the second half to double their advantages and the result was never in doubt for USMA who jumped on Orapa United early and often.