USM Alger of Algeria surged into the CAF Confederation Cup group phase for the first time by trouncing Plateau United of Nigeria 4-0 Tuesday in a play-off second leg.

Algeria left it late against Senegal to book their place at the next round whilst Gambia edged Burkina Faso on penalties to also go through as the penultimate round of matches of the qualifiers came to an end.

Following the draw of the group phase, the Head Coaches and Team Managers of the 16 teams took part in separate workshops on

Reactions: Group Phase Draw

Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi says nothing is impossible as the Zambian outfit attempts a dramatic comeback in their 1/16th round second leg against Algerian side CR Belouizdad on Saturday in Kitwe.

It took the brilliance of Monsuru Bashiru with a stunning late goal to hand over a 2-1 victory for Mountain of Fire & Miracles (MFM) FC against Mouloudia Club d'Alger (MC Alger) in their 1/16th Total CAF Champions League first leg match at the Agege Stadium in Lagos on Wednesday.

A 72nd minute penalty converted by substitute Sam Adams was enough for Ghana Champions Aduana Stars to record victory over a tactically disciplined ES Setif on Wednesday in Dormaa

Yacine Brahimi won and converted a harshly-awarded late penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw for Algeria against already-qualified Nigeria Friday in a World Cup Africa zone Group B dead-rubber.

A second half brace from Achraf Bencharki and the other from Walid Karti was enough for Wydad Athletic Club to reach the final of

Duels between North African teams traditionally generate great excitement and enthusiasm from players and fans, and the first leg of the 2017 CAF Champions League semi-final between USM Alger (Algeria) and Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) was no exception.