Simba triumph over Sfaxien - Black Bulls, Zamalek win
Simba snatched a late 2-1 victory against CS Sfaxien in Dar es Salaam, while Black Bulls Maputo stunned Enyimba with a dominant 3-0 win in Mozambique as the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage reached its halfway point on Sunday.
The results leave several groups finely poised, with everything to play for in the remaining fixtures as African clubs continue their quest for continental glory:
Bravos do Maquis 3-2 Constantine
Bravos do Maquis edged CS Constantine 3-2 in a thrilling Group A encounter at Estádio 11 de Novembro. The Angolan side raced to a 2-0 lead by half-time through a Jó Paciência penalty and Francis' long-range effort. Constantine mounted a spirited comeback as Dadi Mouaki and Chahine Belaouel struck to level the scores. However, substitute Célio netted a dramatic winner in the 94th minute to hand Maquis their second win and move level with Constantine and Simba on six points.
Zamalek 1-0 Al Masry
Zamalek triumphed 1-0 in a tightly contested Egyptian derby against Al Masry at Borg El Arab Stadium. Zizo’s stunning strike from outside the box in the 63rd minute proved the difference. Despite Masry’s late pressure, Zamalek’s defence held firm to seal the win, propelling them to the top of Group D with seven points.
Simba 2-1 CS Sfaxien
Simba edged CS Sfaxien 2-1 in a thrilling Group A encounter at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The visitors struck first through Hazem Haj Hassen, but Simba responded with a Kibu Denis header in the 7th minute. The Tanzanian side dominated the second half, and Denis completed his brace in the dying moments to seal the victory. Simba now climb to second place in Group A.
Black Bulls 3-0 Enyimba
Black Bulls Maputo stunned Nigerian giants Enyimba with a dominant 3-0 win in Group D. Rume Akporoh’s first-half header set the tone before second-half strikes from Fidel Sousa and Ayuba Francis secured the result. Enyimba struggled to respond, leaving them bottom of the group.
Lunda Sul 0-1 Stellenbosch
South African club Stellenbosch snatched a narrow 1-0 away win over CD Lunda Sul. Devin Titus’ late header in the 89th minute proved decisive as the South Africans moved into third place in Group B. Lunda Sul missed crucial chances in a tight encounter.
Orapa United 0-0 Jaraaf
Orapa United and Jaraaf played to a goalless draw in Group C. Both sides created opportunities, but poor finishing and resolute goalkeeping saw the points shared. The result keeps both teams struggling in the group standings.
RS Berkane 1-0 Stade Malien
RS Berkane maintained their perfect record in Group B with a narrow 1-0 win over Stade Malien at Stade Municipal. Issoufou Dayo’s 86th-minute penalty proved decisive after Oussama Lamlaoui was fouled in the box. Stade Malien defended resolutely for most of the match, with goalkeeper Soumaila Magassouba making crucial saves, but they fell short late on. Berkane’s dominance was evident as they pushed forward throughout, missing earlier chances. The victory sees Berkane top Group B with nine points, while Stade Malien remain in second with four points at the halfway stage.
USM Alger 3-0 ASEC Mimosas
USM Alger powered to a commanding 3-0 win over ASEC Mimosas to consolidate their lead in Group C. An own goal by Mohamed Yabré opened the scoring early, before Ismail Belkacemi’s first-half penalty extended USM’s advantage. Belkacemi sealed the win in the 54th minute with a close-range finish. ASEC struggled to respond, despite hitting the post in the opening stages. The result puts USM Alger firmly in control of Group C with seven points, while ASEC Mimosas sit in second on four points.