CAIRO – Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek and Port Said’s Al-Masry kicked off their Group D campaigns in style, securing high-stakes opening victories over Zambia’s ZESCO United and South African giants Kaizer Chiefs respectively, as the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
Zamalek edged ZESCO United 1–0 thanks to Seifeddine Jaziri’s neat finish on 42 minutes.
Al-Masry opened their group-stage campaign with a confidence-boosting home 2-1 win at Borg El-Arab Stadium and will now aim for back-to-back victories when they visit ZESCO United on November 30.
Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, was left to rue a late setback in North Africa. Co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will hope to steer the Soweto side back on track when they host Zamalek on November 29.
Chiefs absorbed early pressure, with Brandon Petersen making key saves and Bradley Cross producing a vital block. They settled as the half progressed, creating chances through crosses aimed at Etiosa Ighodaro, whose stoppage-time header was well saved by Mahmoud Hamdy to keep it 0-0 at the break.
Masry struck first from the spot shortly after the restart, Bonheur Mugisha converting in the 59th minute. Chiefs responded quickly as Dillan Solomons capped a superb solo run with the equaliser in the 66th minute. Late efforts from Mfundo Vilakazi and Asanele Velebayi were kept out by Hamdy.
But Amakhosi’s resistance broke in the 87th minute when they failed to clear a corner, allowing Mohamed Hashem to sweep home the decisive goal and seal Masry’s 2-1 win.
Wydad 3-0 Nairobi
Wydad Casablanca launched their Confederation Cup group-stage campaign in ruthless style, sweeping debutants Nairobi United 3–0 at Stade Mohammed V to top Group B on goal difference ahead of AS Maniema Union.
The Moroccan side struck early, Ayoub Boucheta converting inside three minutes after a slick move down the right. Their dominance continued, and Mohamed Bouchouari doubled the lead just before half-time with a well-timed finish to make it 2–0 at the break.
Nairobi United showed more resistance after the interval but struggled to create clear chances, their frustration highlighted by a booking for Boniface Mzee in the 72nd minute. Wydad remained in full control and wrapped up the victory late on when substitute Mohamed Rayhi netted an 86th-minute third after a neat exchange with Walid Sabbar.
Stellenbosch 1-0 Otoho
Stellenbosch opened their Group C campaign with a dramatic 1–0 victory over AS Otoho, sealed by Angelo Cupido’s stoppage-time finish at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The substitute struck in the 90+3 minute, steering in at the far post after sharp work from fellow replacement Godswill Enyinnaya, finally breaking down the visitors’ disciplined defence.
The win moves Stellenbosch to three points, level with CR Belouizdad—2–0 winners over Singida Black Stars—but second on goal difference.
In Group B, AS Maniema Union also began strongly, defeating Azam FC 2–0 at Stade des Martyrs. Christian Panzi opened the scoring on 27 minutes before second-half changes bolstered the hosts’ control.
The points were sealed late on when Tshitenge Lusala surged down the right and squared for fellow substitute Chadoma Ozome to slot home on 85 minutes, sparking celebrations in Kinshasa.
