CAF Confederation Cup: Maniema Union avoid embarrassment

Two Congolese clubs advanced to the final stage of qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday. While AS Simba advanced without issue, AS Maniema Union avoided a penalty kick shootout courtesy of Jeancy Mpindi’s late goal against Mauritian club Pamplemousses SC.

The defender nodded in following a long throw-in in the final stretch of the match to confirm a 2-2 draw in Mauritius, giving Maniema Union a 4-3 aggregate victory. The Mauritian club gave the Congolese visitors all they could handle, coming back from a first half deficit to score twice and set the stage for late drama.

Maniema Union, who were participants in the CAF Champions League group stage last season, avoided the tension of spot kicks with a late rally. They join AS Simba as the final teams to qualify for the final stage of qualifying for the Confederation Cup group stage after the club from Kolwezi secured a 2-0 second leg victory against hosts Djabal d’Iconi of Comoros.

The CAF Confederation Cup second round duels are now confirmed, set to begin in two weeks beginning on October 17. Maniema Union advance to face Eswatini’s Royal Leopards while Simba will clash with Kaizer Chiefs.