CAFCC: CRB sink Stellenbosch; AS Otohô claim second place in Group C

South African club Stellenbosch FC’s continental ambitions suffered a crushing blow on Sunday in Group C of the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) after a 0-3 home defeat to group leaders CR Belouizdad (CRB) in Cape Town. In the other match from the group, the Republic of Congo’s AS Otohô moved up in the table with a crucial 2-0 victory over Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars in Brazzaville.

🎞️ Match Highlights:
Three goals, clean sheet. CR Belouizdad defeat Stellenbosch FC 3-0.#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/pWke8FMGW9

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 2, 2026

Stellies were punished for failing to finish their chances. Another clinical performance from former Espérance Tunis striker Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda condemned the hosts to defeat, with the Tunisian scoring twice. He now has seven goals in his last seven matches across all competitions.

Substitute Islam Abbaci finished off the scoring late on. It was an even match but inefficient attacking play from the hosts now leaves Gavin Hunt’s side behind the pace to qualify for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the other Group C match played simultaneously on Sunday, Otohô took advantage of Stellies’ slip up with a 2-1 victory over Singida. A red card inside the opening half hour to goalkeeper Metacha Mnata put the visitors on the defensive and hosts Otohô eventually took advantage after halftime.

🎞️ Match Highlights:
AS Otohô strike twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Singida Black Stars.#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/O4coyKXkFE

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 1, 2026

First half substitute Exauce Sagesse Nzaou scored a brace for the winners before visitors Singida scored a consolation goal in the final stages of the match. CRB now have a three-point lead on Otohô with Singida and Stellenbosch each on four points in the bottom half of the group.

An important Matchday Five will see Singida hosting CRB in Tanzania where a victory is essential. Otohô will have a golden opportunity to clinch their place in the quarterfinals when they host again next weekend against Stellies, who must get at least a draw to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Clinical CR Belouizdad punish missed chances

Stellenbosch began the contest brightly and enjoyed spells of sustained possession, but once again paid the price for their inefficiency in front of goal. Despite creating several promising openings, the hosts failed to convert, allowing CR Belouizdad to remain composed and strike with ruthless efficiency.

The Algerian champions were led by Tunisian striker Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda, whose clinical edge proved decisive. The former Espérance de Tunis forward scored two goals, continuing his remarkable run of form. Ben Hammouda has now netted seven goals in his last seven matches across all competitions, underlining his status as one of the most dangerous attackers in the competition.

His movement and finishing exposed Stellenbosch’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly during transitional moments when the hosts were caught pushing numbers forward.

Late blow seals Stellies’ fate

While the contest was relatively even for long periods, Stellenbosch’s lack of cutting edge ultimately separated the two sides. CR Belouizdad absorbed pressure intelligently and punished mistakes with precision.

Substitute Islam Abbaci added a third goal late in the match to put the result beyond doubt, silencing the home crowd and compounding the misery for coach Gavin Hunt, whose side now find themselves trailing the pace in Group C.

Despite moments of positive build-up play, Stellies struggled to turn possession into genuine goal-scoring opportunities, a recurring issue that has undermined their campaign.

AS Otohô seize opportunity in Brazzaville

Earlier in the day, AS Otohô capitalised on Stellenbosch’s slip-up by claiming a crucial 2–1 home win against Singida Black Stars at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat in Brazzaville.

The match turned dramatically in Otohô’s favour inside the opening half hour when Singida goalkeeper Metacha Mnata was shown a red card, forcing the Tanzanian side to defend deep for the remainder of the contest.

Although Singida held firm before the break, Otohô made their numerical advantage count in the second half. First-half substitute Exaucé Sagesse Nzaou emerged as the hero, scoring both goals for the hosts with composed finishes that reflected Otohô’s growing confidence.

Singida managed a late consolation goal, but it proved little more than a footnote as Otohô claimed three invaluable points.

Group C standings tighten

Following Matchday Four, CR Belouizdad sit top of Group C, holding a three-point lead over AS Otohô. Singida Black Stars and Stellenbosch FC are locked on four points each, occupying the lower half of the table and facing a tense final stretch.

CRB’s consistency and superior goal difference put them in a commanding position, while Otohô now control their own destiny heading into the final two group matches.

All to play for on Matchday Five

The next round of fixtures promises to be decisive. Singida Black Stars will host CR Belouizdad in Tanzania, where a victory is essential if they are to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. Anything less could effectively end their campaign.

Meanwhile, AS Otohô will enjoy another home fixture, welcoming Stellenbosch FC to Brazzaville. The Congolese side will have a golden opportunity to clinch qualification, while Stellenbosch must secure at least a draw to remain mathematically in contention for a knockout place.

Pressure mounts on Stellenbosch

For Stellenbosch, the equation is now clear but unforgiving. The South Africans must rediscover their scoring touch quickly and show greater composure in decisive moments. With continental elimination looming, the margin for error has all but disappeared.

CR Belouizdad, by contrast, continue to look like genuine contenders for the title. Their balance between defensive discipline and attacking ruthlessness has made them one of the most formidable sides in the CAF Confederation Cup this season.

As Group C heads toward its climax, the battle for quarterfinal places is intensifying—setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion in the coming weeks.

CAFCC Group C Table