AFCON 2025
Six clubs — Zesco United, Royal Leopards, USM Alger, San Pedro, Singida Black Stars and OC Safi — sealed their places in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Saturday after a thrilling round of decisive second-leg fixtures across the continent.
In Botswana, Zesco United held Jwaneng Galaxy to a 1–1 draw in Lobatse to complete a 5–4 aggregate victory. The Zambian champions, who had edged a wild first leg 4–3 in Ndola, extended their lead through a well-taken goal in first-half stoppage time.
Galaxy hit back late on, equalising in the 89th minute to set up a tense finale, but George Lwandamina’s men held firm to secure qualification with a blend of discipline and composure.
In Eswatini, Royal Leopards produced one of the weekend’s most dramatic turnarounds, eliminating DR Congo’s Maniema Union on penalties. Trailing 1–0 on the night and 2–1 on aggregate, the hosts struck deep into stoppage time — at 90+10 minutes — to level the tie and force a shoot-out.
Leopards then held their nerve from the spot, converting four of five penalties to triumph 4–3 and reach the group stage after a 1–1 draw and 2–2 aggregate result.
In Algiers, USM Alger overturned a first-leg deficit with a commanding 3–0 home victory over Académie de FAD.
The reigning champions, who lost 1–0 in Côte d’Ivoire, struck twice inside the opening half-hour to seize control before adding a third in stoppage time to seal a 3–1 aggregate success. The Algerians’ performance underscored their experience and efficiency in continental competition.
Elsewhere, San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire booked their spot with a convincing 3–1 win away to Coton Sport in Garoua, completing a 4–1 aggregate triumph.
After conceding early, San Pedro equalised before halftime and dominated the second period, scoring twice more to end Coton Sport’s hopes and continue their impressive rise on the African stage.
In Tanzania, Singida Black Stars made history by reaching the group stage for the first time. The Tanzanian side overturned a 1–0 first-leg defeat to beat Flambeau du Centre of Burundi 3–1 at home, advancing 3–2 on aggregate after a spirited comeback.
Meanwhile, OC Safi of Morocco also progressed, holding off a late challenge despite losing 2–1 in their second leg. Their earlier 2–0 home win ensured a 3–2 aggregate success and a return to the group phase.
