Maniema and Wydad book TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final places
Maniema Union and Wydad Athletic Club secured their places in the quarter-finals of the 2025–26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after decisive victories on the final day of Group B.
The concluding round of group-stage fixtures confirmed the two qualifiers from the section, with both sides finishing on 12 points, while Tanzania’s Azam FC narrowly missed out and Nairobi United exited the competition without a point.
Maniema Union 3-0 Nairobi United
DR Congo’s Maniema Union sealed top spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nairobi United.
The Congolese side began with urgency and took the lead in the fifth minute through Beny Namboka, who capitalised on early pressure to give his team a perfect start.
Namboka doubled the advantage in the 29th minute, finishing confidently to underline Maniema’s dominance.
Before the break, Jaency Mboma added a third in the 44th minute, effectively ending Nairobi’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
The result ensured Maniema completed the group stage with four wins from six matches, demonstrating both attacking efficiency and defensive organisation.
Nairobi United, meanwhile, finished bottom of the group without collecting a single point.
Wydad 2-0 Azam
In the other Group B fixture, Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club defeated Azam FC 2-0 to secure the second qualifying spot.
The match remained finely balanced until the 64th minute, when Azam defender Pascal Msindo turned the ball into his own net under pressure, handing Wydad a crucial lead.
Azam pushed forward in search of an equaliser, knowing only victory would guarantee progression.
However, the Moroccan side absorbed the pressure and struck again deep into stoppage time, with Walid Nassi sealing the win in the 94th minute.
The victory lifted Wydad to 12 points, level with Maniema but behind on head-to-head criteria, ensuring qualification as group runners-up. ,
Azam finished third on nine points despite remaining in contention until the final matchday.
Knockout phase beckons
With Group B concluded, Maniema Union and Wydad Athletic Club now join the other qualified sides in the quarter-final draw.
Both clubs will look to carry their momentum into the knockout stage, where margins for error narrow and the path to continental silverware becomes more demanding.