Stellenbosch leave it late to edge Otoho in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup opener
Stellenbosch made a winning start to their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group C campaign, snatching a 1-0 victory over AS Otoho thanks to Angelo Cupido’s stoppage-time strike at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.
Cupido, introduced in the 65th minute, settled an attritional contest in the third minute of added time (90+3) when he arrived to convert after good work from fellow substitute Godswill Enyinnaya.
The late finish sparked relief among the home support after Stellenbosch had been frustrated for long spells by the organised visitors from Congo-Brazzaville.
The result places Stellenbosch on three points, behind CR Belouizdad—2-0 winners over Singida Black Stars on Saturday—at the top of Group C on goal difference.
Elsewhere in the competition on Sunday, AS Maniema Union made a confident start to their Group B campaign with a 2–0 win over Azam FC at Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa, sealing the points with a late second goal after controlling long spells of the contest.
Christian Panzi set the tone on 27 minutes, timing his run to meet a low cross and sweep home from close range.
The home side's changes on 61 and 68 minutes proved decisive. Defender Lita Demani shored up the flanks, while the double switch of Tshitenge Lusala and Chadoma Ozome gave Maniema fresh legs and direct running in transition.
The pair combined for the killer moment on 85 minutes: Lusala broke down the right and squared for Ozome to finish first time for 2–0, sparking celebrations among the Kinshasa crowd.
In another game on Sunday, Al Masry edged Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in Port Said while Olympique de Safi claimed a disciplined 1-0 away win at Djoliba as they all opened their group stage campaigns.
In Group D, Al Masry broke a tight contest on 59 minutes when Rwandan forward Bonheur Mugisha converted from the spot.
Chiefs responded through Dillon Solomons’ crisp finish on 66 minutes to level the tie, but the hosts kept pressing and were rewarded late as substitute Mohamed Hashem pounced on 87 minutes to seal a statement victory.
Amakhosi’s late pressure couldn’t find a second equaliser as Al Masry banked three valuable points at home.
Earlier in Bamako, Group A visitors Olympique de Safi silenced Djoliba 1-0 thanks to Salaheddine Errahouli's composed strike on 29 minutes after Sofian El Moudane threaded pass opened the defence.
The Moroccans then managed the game expertly, absorbing Djoliba’s second-half surges and seeing out a clean sheet to start their campaign with an impressive away success.