Chiefs improve their chances with narrow win over Al Masry, Maniema stun Wydad

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage action resumed on Sunday, 8 February with Match Day 5 of the group stages producing some intereting results that will see the final match day being tense affairs.

Below is a summary of the afternoon matches.

Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 Al Masry

Kaizer Chiefs boosted their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Al Masry in an intense Group Stage clash on Sunday afternoon.

The South African side started brightly and were rewarded in the 39th minute when Flávio Silva calmly converted from the penalty spot after Ahmed Ayman Mansour was penalised for handball inside the area. Chiefs controlled much of the first half, with Makabi Lilepo and Mduduzi Shabalala lively in attack, while Brandon Petersen made a key save to deny Salah Mohsen before the break.

Al Masry emerged with renewed intent in the second half and found an equaliser in the 57th minute. Abderrahim Deghmoum reacted quickest inside the six-yard box, firing home from close range to level the scores.

The turning point came just three minutes later. From a set-piece situation, left-back Aden McCarthy found space in the box and finished clinically to restore Kaizer Chiefs’ advantage.

Despite several stoppages and six minutes of added time, the hosts held firm to secure a vital three points that sees them top Group B.

Maniema Union 2–1 Wydad Casablanca

Maniema Union claimed a crucial home victory as they edged Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca 2–1 in a fiercely contested encounter.

The Congolese side took the lead in the 32nd minute through Beni Namboka, who finished confidently from the centre of the box following a well-worked attacking move. Maniema maintained their intensity and carried the advantage into half-time.

Early in the second half, Maniema doubled their lead in dramatic fashion when a dangerous delivery caused confusion in the Wydad defence, resulting in an own goal by goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid in the 61st minute.

Wydad were handed a lifeline shortly afterwards when they were awarded a penalty. Hamza Hannouri made no mistake from the spot in the 66th minute, pulling a goal back and setting up a tense final quarter.

Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, Maniema Union defended with discipline and composure, managing the closing stages effectively to secure all three points.

The result sees Maniema boost their qualification chances with the result that sees them move to second behind the Moroccans.

Otôho d’Oyo 2–1 Singida Black Stars

Otôho d’Oyo recorded a dramatic 2–1 win over Singida Black Stars in Brazzaville, sealing victory in a match marked by resilience and drama.

The game turned early when Singida Black Stars were reduced to ten men in the 24th minute after goalkeeper Metacha Mnata was shown a straight red card for a foul outside the penalty area. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Singida held firm through the remainder of the first half, keeping the score level at the break.

Otôho finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when Exauce Sagesse Nzaou finished clinically from the right side of the box after a precise assist from Grâce Mavoungou. The hosts doubled their lead in the 79th minute as Nzaou again proved decisive, converting from close range to give Otôho breathing space.

Singida refused to give up and pulled a goal back late on. In the 89th minute, Joseph Guede Gnadou struck from inside the area to set up a nervy finale. However, Otôho managed the closing moments expertly to secure a deserved victory.

AS Otoho’s win sees them go level on points with CR Belouizdad who have a game in hand.

ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek 

Zesco United recorded an important 1–0 win over Zamalek in a closely contested encounter.

The first half was evenly matched, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Zesco looked threatening from set pieces, while Zamalek relied on quick transitions, yet the deadlock remained unbroken at the interval.

The decisive moment came in the 59th minute when Emmanuel Manda was fouled in the penalty area, allowing Amine Hiver to step up and convert confidently from the spot. Zamalek responded with increased urgency and nearly snatched an equaliser in stoppage time, but Hossam Abdelmaguid’s header struck the crossbar.

The Zambians defended resolutely in the closing stages to secure all three points and strengthen their position in the group.