CAIRO — In the penultimate round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, decisive performances saw Zamalek of Egypt, Stellenbosch of South Africa, and USM Alger of Algeria secure their spots in the quarter-finals.
Defending champions Zamalek confirmed their quarter-final berth with an authoritative 3-1 win over Black Bulls in Group D at Cairo International Stadium.
The Egyptian giants remained unbeaten, topping the group with 11 points and securing progression with one match remaining.
Hossam Ashraf emerged as the star of the night, netting twice in quick succession early in the second half.
His first came in the 51st minute when he pounced on a deflected cross to fire Zamalek ahead. Just two minutes later, he doubled his tally with a deft finish following sustained pressure from the hosts.
Black Bulls responded through Egaita Efone, who pulled one back in the 62nd minute with a well-placed header.
However, Zamalek’s Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ sealed the win in the 83rd minute, finishing a brilliant solo effort to extinguish any hopes of a comeback.
The result leaves Black Bulls at the bottom of Group D with four points, eliminating their chances of advancing further.
The already-qualified Zamalek is set to face Enyimba in the final round of the Confederation Cup group stage on January 19.
Berkane maintained their dominance in Group D with a goalless draw against Luanda Sol in Angola, while Stellenbosch secured their place in the next round with a victory over Stade Malien. USM Alger also advanced after defeating Orapa United in Botswana.
Elsewhere, Stellenbosch FC advanced to the quarter-finals of the Confederation Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Stade Malien in South Africa.
Fawaz Basadin opened the scoring in the 30th minute from the penalty spot with a composed finish. Nine minutes later, Jayden Adams doubled Stellenbosch’s lead with a precise header following a well-delivered corner.
The South Africans controlled the game throughout and moved to nine points, consolidating second place behind Berkane in Group D. Stade Malien, with four points, faces elimination as Stellenbosch joins Berkane in the knockout stage.
Elsewhere,Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane held Angola’s Luanda Sol to a 0-0 draw in the fifth round of the Confederation group stage, securing their position at the top of Group B.
Despite fielding a rotated squad, Berkane came closest to breaking the deadlock, showcasing dominance in possession and creating the better chances. With this result, Berkane now has 13 points, four points clear of Stellenbosch in second place.
Luanda Sol remained winless and rooted to the bottom of the group with just two points, while Berkane and Stellenbosch have both secured their spots in the quarter-finals ahead of the final group match.
Meanwhile, USM Alger secured their spot in the Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Botswana’s Orapa United.
Sekou Gassama put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute, while Hossam Ghosha doubled their advantage in the 60th. Orapa United managed a late consolation goal through Kamogelo Moloi, but it was not enough to prevent their fifth group-stage defeat.
USM Alger now leads Group 3 with 11 points, sealing qualification with one game to spare, while Orapa United remains bottom with two points.
Discussion about this post