The group stages of the Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup began with thrilling encounters and dramatic results, highlighted by Algerian side CS Constantine’s late victory over Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien on Wednesday.
CS Constantine delivered a stunning 1-0 away win against CS Sfaxien at the Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi. Brahim Dib’s decisive goal in the 81st minute, expertly set up by Mohamed Benchaira, silenced the home crowd.Despite dominating possession, Sfaxien struggled to capitalize on their chances, with Hazem Haj Hassen missing a crucial header in the closing moments.
Earlier in the group, Simba SC of Tanzania secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Angola’s Bravos do Maquis in Dar es Salaam. Jean Ahoua’s well-taken penalty in the 27th minute proved enough to give Simba all three points.
Simba leads Group A, with Constantine trailing only on goal difference. In Bamako, Stade Malien opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over South African debutants Stellenbosch FC.
Haman Mandjan’s spectacular 15th-minute strike set the tone, and Daouda Coulibaly added a late penalty to seal the victory. Stellenbosch struggled to cope with Malien’s attacking pressure, and defender Devin Titus conceded the late penalty.
The group action continues as RS Berkane faces Angola’s CD Lunda Sul later tonight, promising more excitement. At the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas claimed an emphatic 2-0 win over Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf.
Razack Cissé opened the scoring, and Kankonde Tshisungu’s powerful header in the 71st minute cemented the victory, leaving Jaraaf’s goalkeeper with no chance. ASEC tops the group with three points, while ASC Jaraaf must regroup for their next match. Botswana’s Orapa United makes their group stage debut against USM Alger later tonight.
Egyptian side, Al Masry delivered a commanding 2-0 win over Nigerian club, Enyimba at the Suez Canal Stadium. Mahmoud Hamada stole the show with a brace, including an early strike in the 5th minute.
Enyimba’s attack, led by Ismael Saraki, struggled against Al Masry’s disciplined defense. Defending champions, Zamalek defeated Mozambique’s Black Bulls 2-0 at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt.
As the group stage action unfolds, fans can look forward to more thrilling clashes and standout performances in Africa’s elite club competition.
