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CAF Confederation Cup preview: Three-way battle for Group A; Zamalek faces a familiar foe


Photo Credit: Simba SC Tanzania

The fourth round from the group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup will kick off on Sunday with much at stake. Third and fourth placed clubs must make a push for top-2 positions if they wish to qualify for the quarterfinals while some of Africa's most popular clubs look to secure qualification for the knockout stages with matches to spare. Below, we describe the situation in each group before all eight matches take place on Sunday.


Group A


Simba will be searching for points in Tunisia against CS Sfaxien. Photo Credit: Simba SC Tanzania

GP

Points

  1. CS Constantine

3

6

  1. Simba SC

3

6

  1. Bravos do Maquis

3

6

  1. CS Sfaxien

3

0

Fixtures


CS Sfaxien (TUN) vs Simba SC (TZA)- Tunis, Tunisia (16:00 GMT)

CS Constantine (ALG) vs Bravos do Maquis (ANG)- Constantine, Algeria (19:00 GMT)


A dramatic victory in Dar es Salaam helped Simba keep pace at the top of the group but now the real challenge awaits in Tunisia when the Reds face a CS Sfaxien club that is just trying to find any sort of positive result. Bravos do Maquis stunned CS Constantine at home in Angola to emerge as the surprise contender and will fancy their chances in the return match in Algeria considering a recent dip in form for CSC.


Group B


With Stellenbosch hot in pursuit, second place Stade Malien need to make their home advantage count against Group B leaders RS Berkane. Photo Credit: RS Berkane

GP

Points

  1. RS Berkane

3

9

  1. Stade Malien

3

4

  1. Stellenbosch

3

3

  1. CD Lunda Sul

3

1

Fixtures


Stade Malien (MLI) vs RS Berkane (MAR)- Bamako, Mali (19:00 GMT)

Stellenbosch (RSA) vs CD Lunda Sul (ANG)- Durban, South Africa (16:00 GMT)


Stade Malien came so close to holding out for a draw in Morocco against heavy group favorites Berkane but a late penalty kick leaves the Malian giants with a difficult task on Sunday even if they are at home in Bamako. South Africa's Stellenbosch are in hot pursuit and appear likely to overtake Stade Malien if they can take care of business in Durban against Angolan cellar dwellers Lunda Sul.


Group C


Orapa United and Jaraaf have struggled mightily in Group C but opportunity awaits for the winner of their return clash in Dakar. Photo Credit: Orapa United

GP

Points

  1. USM Alger

3

7

  1. ASEC Mimosas

3

4

  1. ASC Jaraaf

3

2

  1. Orapa United

3

2

Fixtures


ASEC Mimosas (CIV) vs USM Alger (ALG)- Abidjan, Ivory Coast (16:00 GMT)

ASC Jaraaf (SEN) vs Orapa United (BWA)- Dakar, Senegal (16:00 GMT)


USM Alger have dominated their home matches but the Algerian club still have work to do and have not proven their credentials away from home yet. ASEC Mimosas will fancy their chances in the heat of Abidjan with an opportunity to keep distance between them and the bottom half of the group. For ASC Jaraaf and Botswana's Orapa United, Sunday is the last chance for either to make a serious push for a top-2 spot making their duel a must-win for both teams.


Group D


Zamalek star Zizo (right) is battling illness but is probable to play on Sunday in an important Group D clash with fellow Egyptian club Al Masry. Photo Credit: Zamalek SC

GP

Points

  1. Zamalek

3

7

  1. Al Masry

3

4

  1. Black Bulls

3

4

  1. Enyimba

3

1

Fixtures


Al Masry (EGY) vs Zamalek (EGY)- Alexandria, Egypt (16:00 GMT)

Enyimba (NGA) vs Black Bulls (MOZ)- Uyo, Nigeria (16:00 GMT)


An all-Egyptian clash highlights the Group D action on Sunday. Al Masry's defense has been impenetrable in the Egyptian Premier League but there is some pressure to earn a victory in Alexandria against defending Confederation Cup winners Zamalek. Mozambique's Black Bulls are showing their quality in the competition despite no longer being able to host their home matches and now face a difficult trip to Nigeria where struggling Enyimba must win.

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