TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup: Qualification battle intensifies as Matchday 4 beckons

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup reaches a potentially decisive phase on Sunday as Matchday 4 matches are played, with qualification places firmly in focus across all four groups.

With three rounds completed, clear frontrunners are beginning to emerge, but several groups remain delicately balanced.

The fourth round marks the start of the return fixtures and could significantly shape the path to the quarter-finals, where only the top two teams from each group will advance.

Group A: USM Alger chase perfect record amid coaching change

USM Alger have been the standout performers so far, winning all three matches to lead Group A with nine points. They travel to Bamako to face Djoliba AC, who remain bottom of the group without a point.

However, the Algerian side will take to the field following a change on the bench, with assistant coach Hadj Adlane stepping in as interim head coach. Behind them, OC Safi host FC San Pedro as both sides look to keep qualification hopes alive.

Group B: Wydad aim to tighten grip at the top

Wydad Casablanca sit comfortably at the summit of Group B with nine points and travel to face Maniema Union, who remain second despite last week’s defeat. A positive result for the Moroccan side would put them within touching distance of the last eight.

In the group’s other fixture, Azam FC meet Nairobi United, with both sides needing points to stay in contention.

Group C: CR Belouizdad defend narrow advantage

Group C remains finely poised as CR Belouizdad travel to South Africa to face Stellenbosch in a repeat of last week’s encounter. The Algerian side claimed a 2-0 home win to move top of the group on six points, but Stellenbosch sit just two points behind and will be confident on home soil.

Elsewhere, Singida Black Stars visit Otoho d’Oyo, with both teams still firmly in the hunt. With only three points separating the top four, Group C appears set for a tense finish.

Group D: Cairo rivalry takes centre stage

One of the standout fixtures sees Egyptian rivals Al Masry and Zamalek meet again on Sunday at Borg El Arab Stadium. The sides played out a goalless draw in Matchday 3, a result that left Al Masry top of the group on seven points, with Zamalek close behind on five.

Another draw would keep the group tight, but victory for either side would represent a major step towards qualification. With Kaizer Chiefs still in contention and ZESCO United seeking their first points, the outcome in Alexandria could prove pivotal.

Matchday 4 fixtures – TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup

(All times GMT – Sunday, 1 February)

Group A

16:00 — Djoliba AC (MLI) vs USM Alger (ALG)
19:00 — OC Safi (MAR) vs FC San Pedro (CIV)

Standings: USM Alger 9 pts, OC Safi 6 pts, FC San Pedro 3 pts, Djoliba AC 0 pts

Group B

13:00 — AS Maniema Union (DRC) vs Wydad Casablanca (MAR)
16:00 — Azam FC (TAN) vs Nairobi United (KEN)

Standings: Wydad Casablanca 9 pts, AS Maniema Union 6 pts, Azam FC 3 pts, Nairobi United 0 pts

Group C

13:00 — Otoho d’Oyo (CGO) vs Singida Black Stars (TAN)
13:00 — Stellenbosch FC (RSA) vs CR Belouizdad (ALG)

Standings: CR Belouizdad 6 pts, Stellenbosch FC 4 pts, Singida Black Stars 4 pts, Otoho d’Oyo 3 pts

Group D

13:00 — Kaizer Chiefs (RSA) vs ZESCO United (ZAM)
19:00 — Al Masry (EGY) vs Zamalek SC (EGY)

Standings: Al Masry 7 pts, Zamalek SC 5 pts, Kaizer Chiefs 4 pts, ZESCO United 0 pts