ALEXANDRIA — Zamalek secured a 1-0 victory over Al-Masry in a hard-fought Egyptian derby at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ delivered the decisive blow with a stunning 63rd-minute strike from outside the box.
Despite late pressure from Al-Masry, Zamalek’s defense stood strong, taking them to the top of Group D with seven points, three clear of Al-Masry and Black Bulls, both on four points.
Elsewhere, South African side Mamelodi Sundowns claimed their first victory in the CAF Champions League group stage with a 1-0 triumph over Morocco’s Raja Casablanca at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Iqraam Rayners scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute, drilling a right-footed strike into the bottom corner after a well-placed assist from Kutlwano Letlhaku.
The win moves Sundowns to the top of Group B on five points alongside FAR Rabat, who drew 1-1 with Maniema Union.
The first half was cagey, with both sides struggling to convert chances, cafonline.com reported.
Raja’s Adam Ennaffati and Younes Najjari threatened early but lacked precision. Sundowns grew into the game after halftime, with Lucas Ribeiro Costa forcing crucial saves.
Raja, now bottom of Group B with just one point, failed to capitalize on late pressure as Sundowns’ defence, led by Ronwen Williams, held firm.
The South African giants head into the second half of the group stage with renewed confidence as they push for knockout qualification.
Meanwhile, Djoliba and Sagrada Esperança played out a tense goalless draw in their Group D clash at Stade 26 Mars.
Despite creating the better chances, Djoliba failed to convert, with Kenan Glougbe hitting the woodwork twice in the second half.
His thunderous efforts from distance came closest to breaking the deadlock, but luck was not on his side.
Sagrada, meanwhile, focused on defensive solidity and relied on goalkeeper Filipe Pimpão, who made crucial saves, including efforts from Aboubacar Diakite and Ousmane Diallo.
The result leaves both teams winless at the halfway stage of the group phase, each with two points.
Esperance Tunis leads the group with seven points after their 2-0 win over Pyramids.
Djoliba will now look for a stronger finish as the group stage continues, while Sagrada aim to build on their defensive resilience.
Simba snatched a late 2-1 victory against CS Sfaxien in Dar es Salaam, while Black Bulls Maputo stunned Enyimba with a dominant 3-0 win in Mozambique.
The visitors struck first through Hazem Haj Hassen, but Simba responded with a Kibu Denis header in the 7th minute.
The Tanzanian side dominated the second half, and Denis completed his brace in the dying moments to seal the victory. Simba now climb to second place in Group A.
Black Bulls Maputo stunned Nigerian giants Enyimba with a dominant 3-0 win in Group D.
Rume Akporoh’s first-half header set the tone before second-half strikes from Fidel Sousa and Ayuba Francis secured the result. Enyimba struggled to respond, leaving them bottom of the group.
South African club Stellenbosch snatched a narrow 1-0 away win over CD Lunda Sul. Devin Titus’ late header in the 89th minute proved decisive as the South Africans moved into third place in Group B. Lunda Sul missed crucial chances in a tight encounter.
Orapa United and Jaraaf played to a goalless draw in Group C. Both sides created opportunities, but poor finishing and resolute goalkeeping saw the points shared. The result keeps both teams struggling in the group standings.
Bravos do Maquis edged CS Constantine 3-2 in a thrilling Group A encounter at Estádio 11 de Novembro.
The Angolan side raced to a 2-0 lead by half-time through a Jo Paciencia penalty and Francis’ long-range effort.
Constantine mounted a spirited comeback as Dadi Mouaki and Chahine Belaouel struck to level the scores.
However, substitute Celio netted a dramatic winner in the 94th minute to hand Maquis their second win and move level with Constantine and Simba on six points.
USM Alger powered to a commanding 3-0 win over ASEC Mimosas to consolidate their lead in Group C.
An own goal by Mohamed Yabre opened the scoring early, before Ismail Belkacemi’s first-half penalty extended USM’s advantage.
Belkacemi sealed the win in the 54th minute with a close-range finish. ASEC struggled to respond, despite hitting the post in the opening stages.
The result puts USM Alger firmly in control of Group C with seven points, while ASEC Mimosas sit in second on four points.
