Berkane’s ruthless display silences Stellenbosch, ASEC hold Orapa United

The second matchday of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage delivered a blend of high-octane action and tactical duels as RS Berkane earned a commanding 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch, while ASEC Mimosas held Orapa United to a goalless draw in a closely contested affair.

Elsewhere, Stade Malien and Desportivo Lunda-Sul shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in Sunday's first match in Africa's second tier club competition.

RS Berkane maintained their perfect start in Group B with a clinical performance, beating South African debutants Stellenbosch 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Berkane set the tone early, with Youssef Zghoudi netting a brace of headers in the 5th and 15th minutes, both assisted by pinpoint crosses from Youssef Mehri and Ayoub Khairi respectively.

Despite a spirited effort from Stellenbosch, they struggled to capitalize on their chances. Andre de Jong hit the post in the 30th minute, summing up a frustrating evening for the hosts.

Berkane extended their lead in the 83rd minute when Reda Hajji’s sensational long-range strike found the top corner, leaving Stellenbosch’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Chumani Butsaka provided a glimmer of hope for the home side with an 87th-minute goal, but it proved too little too late.

Stellenbosch’s second consecutive loss leaves them rooted to the bottom of Group B without a point, while Berkane tops the group with six points from two games.

Stalemate in Botswana as ASEC Mimosas hold Orapa United

Group C saw a tactical showdown at the Francistown Stadium, where Orapa United and ASEC Mimosas played out a 0-0 draw.

The result keeps ASEC atop the group standings with four points, while Orapa remains winless but earns their first point of the campaign.

ASEC dominated possession, creating several chances, including an 80th-minute effort from Armand Dagrou that sailed just over the bar.

However, Orapa’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Lesenya Malapela making a string of crucial saves to keep his side in contention.

The Ivorian giants will feel disappointed not to have converted their dominance into goals but remain unbeaten heading into their next fixture.

ASEC’s solid start has given them a slight edge, but with USM Alger yet to play their second game, the standings could shift dramatically. 

Late drama in Angola as Stade Malien and Lunda-Sul settle for a draw

At the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Angola, Stade Malien of Mali and Desportivo Lunda-Sul produced a thrilling second-half display to draw 1-1.

Siaka Diaby opened the scoring for the Malian side in the 69th minute with a well-taken strike, only for Danilson to equalize for the Angolans five minutes later with a towering header from a corner.

The result keeps Stade Malien in second place in Group B, with four points, while Lunda-Sul’s solitary point places them third.