CAFCC: Constantine Stun Sfaxien; USM Alger and Zamalek Start Strong
The opening matches of the CAF Confederation Cup group stages delivered a mix of drama and excitement as visiting Algerian side Constantine defeated Tunisian side Sfaxien on Wednesday among other interesting results.
Group A
In Tunisia, Algerian side CS Constantine pulled off a late upset against CS Sfaxien with Brahim Dib scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute.
The forward’s clinical finish, following Mohamed Benchaira’s through ball, silenced the home crowd at the Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi.
Despite their dominance in possession, Sfaxien failed to convert their chances, with Hazem Haj Hassen missing a crucial header in the dying minutes.
Earlier in the day, Simba SC from Tanzania edged Angola’s Bravos do Maquis 1-0 in Dar es Salaam. Jean Ahoua’s penalty in the 27th minute was enough to secure three points for the Tanzanian giants.
The win sees Simba top Group A, with Constantine trailing on goal difference.
Group B
In Bamako, Malian side Stade Malien started their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over South African newcomers Stellenbosch FC.
Haman Mandjan’s stunning strike in the 15th minute opened the scoring, while Daouda Coulibaly sealed the win with a late penalty.
Stellenbosch’s defense struggled against Malien’s relentless attack, with key player Devin Titus conceding the penalty in stoppage time.
Champions of the 2021/22 edition, Morocco’s RS Berkane welcomed Club Desportivo de Lunda Sul of Angola to the opener of Group B.
With a strong intention of reclaiming their title, Berkane secured a convincing 2-0-win courtesy of a Issoufou Dayo brace in the 21st and 79th minute of the match that saw the former champions go top of the group.
Group C
At the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, ASEC Mimosas displayed their intent with a commanding 2-0 win over Senegalese outfit ASC Jaraaf.
Razack Cissé and Kankonde Tshisungu found the back of the net, with the latter’s header in the 71st minute leaving Jaraaf’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The final match of the evening was a high scoring affair in Algiers when USMA Alger welcomed group stage debutants Orapa United of Botswana.
It was a baptism of fire for the southern African nation who were subjected to a crushing 6-0 defeat by the former champions.
An early brace by Ismail Belkacemi as well as a goal apiece by Saadi Raouani and Wale Alli put the Algerians four goals clear ahead of the break.
The gap was further extended in the second half with Nabil Lamara getting the fifth immediately from the restart, before Islam Mrili’s 71st strike secured the commanding win for the former champions
Group D
DEgyptian side Al Masry delivered a dominant performance against Nigeria’s Enyimba, securing a 2-0 victory at the Suez Canal Stadium.
Mahmoud Hamada was the hero, netting twice, including a composed finish in the 5th minute.
Enyimba’s attack, led by Ismael Saraki, struggled to break through Al Masry’s solid defensive line.
Two time champions, Zamalek SC continued their title defence with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mozambique’s Black Bulls FC.
Two goals by Ahmed Abdelhamid scored in the 45th minute as well as an early second half strike by Nabil Emad were enough to secure a good start to the champions’ Group D campaign
