Enyimba of Nigeria secured their spot in the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after a tense penalty shootout win against Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.
The match ended in a goalless draw, just like the first leg in Bamako, forcing the game into penalties where Enyimba emerged victorious 3-2. Despite both teams struggling to find the back of the net during the 90 minutes, Enyimba held firm under the pressure, displaying resilience as the last Nigerian team in continental competition.
The Nigerians put on a solid defensive performance but were unable to convert their chances, a challenge that mirrored their efforts in the first leg. In the penalty shootout, Enyimba converted three of their spot-kicks, while Etoile Filante could only manage two, sealing Enyimba’s place in the group stage.
This win represents a major milestone for the People’s Elephant, who now have their sights set on becoming the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Confederation Cup.
Elsewhere, USM Alger overcame a first-leg deficit to knock out Stade Tunisien, securing a 2-0 victory at home. Kevin Mondeko’s 75th-minute goal set the tone for a dramatic conclusion, capped off by a stoppage-time own goal from Bilel Mejri, ensuring USM Alger’s progression.
Tanzania’s Simba SC advanced to the group stage as well, following a 3-1 victory over Libya’s Ahli Tripoli after a goalless first leg. In Dakar, Jaraaf of Senegal secured a dominant 3-0 win against Racing Club d’Abidjan, with goals from Matheuw Fall, Souleymane Dione, and captain Rémy Bocandé at the Lat Dior Stadium, booking their place in the next round.
However, ASKO Kara of Togo fell short in their campaign, losing 1-0 to Djoliba of Mali, resulting in a 2-0 aggregate defeat.
