CAF Confederation Cup: Thrilling Finale to group Stage as Teams Secure Quarter-Final Spots
Teh sixth day of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup group stage concluded this Sunday, delivering a series of dramatic matches that persistent the fate of several teams. From last-minute victories to dominant performances, the final round of group matches set the stage for an exciting quarter-final phase.
Group A: Simba SC Edges Out Constantine
In a crucial match between qualifiers,Simba SC secured a 2-0 victory over CS Constantine,snatching first place in Group A from the Algerians by a narrow margin. This win not only boosts Simba’s confidence but also positions them favorably for the quarter-final draw. Meanwhile, CS Sfaxien, the most successful club in the competition’s history, ended their campaign on a high note with a commanding 4-0 win over Bravos do Maquis, marking their only continental victory this season.
Group B: RS Berkane’s Unstoppable Run
RS Berkane continued their dominant form,crushing Stellenbosch FC 5-0 to finish the group stage undefeated with 16 points. Oussama Lamlioui opened the scoring in the 7th minute, followed by Youssef Mehri in the 15th. Paul Bassene added two more goals in the second half, while Youssef Zghoudi sealed the emphatic victory. Despite the loss, Stellenbosch had already secured their place as runners-up with 9 points. Stade Malien, however, ended their campaign on a disappointing note, losing 0-1 to Lunda Sul and finishing at the bottom of the group.
Group C: ASEC’s Dramatic Qualification
ASEC Mimosas delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Orapa United, with Celestine Ecua scoring twice and Armand Dagou and Armand Diarrassouba adding to the tally. Though, their qualification hung in the balance as Jaraaf held a draw against USM Algiers, which would have secured their spot. In a dramatic turn of events, Ismail Belkacemi scored in the 81st minute, followed by Saadi Radouani in the 97th, sealing a 2-0 win for the Algerians and shattering Jaraaf’s hopes.ASEC finished with the same points as Jaraaf but advanced due to their superior head-to-head record.
Group D: Egyptian clubs Shine
The Egyptian clubs made their mark in Group D, with Zamalek defeating Enyimba 3-1 and Al Masry securing a 3-1 victory over Black Bulls. Both Nigerian and Mozambican clubs had a chance to qualify, but Al Masry’s win ensured they claimed second place with 9 points.
Key Takeaways from the Group Stage
| Group | Winner | Runner-Up | Key Highlights |
|———–|———————|——————–|————————————————————————————|
| A | Simba SC | CS constantine | Simba’s 2-0 win secures top spot; CS Sfaxien ends with a 4-0 victory. |
| B | RS Berkane | Stellenbosch FC | Berkane finishes undefeated with 16 points; Stellenbosch qualifies as runner-up. |
| C | USM Algiers | ASEC Mimosas | ASEC’s 4-0 win and jaraaf’s late heartbreak. |
| D | Zamalek | Al Masry | Egyptian clubs dominate with two victories. |
The quarter-finals promise to be equally thrilling, with teams like RS Berkane, simba SC, and USM Algiers showcasing their dominance in the group stage. Fans can expect more high-stakes drama as the competition progresses.
For more updates on the CAF Confederation Cup, stay tuned to the official CAF website and follow the latest scores and statistics on Sofascore.
