AFCON 2025
The final matchday of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage produced a weekend of pivotal results as clubs competed for progression to the knockout rounds. Across Saturday and Sunday fixtures, several teams delivered decisive performances to solidify their continental status, while others paid the price for inconsistent campaigns.
Egyptian powerhouses Zamalek SC led the headlines with a hard-fought victory, ensuring they remain key players in the race to the next phase. Elsewhere, clubs from DR Congo, Morocco, Algeria and Mali put in strong performances to stake their claims for quarter-final places.
Here is a full account of what happened in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday and Sunday:
In one of the weekend’s most anticipated clashes, Zamalek emerged with a 2:1 narrow win over South African side Kaizer Chiefs. Goals from J. Bezerra (53’) and A. El-Said (72’) helped Zamalek overturn a competitive challenge, while M. Lilepo (75’) pulled one back for Chiefs. The result not only helped Zamalek move to the quarterfinals but also confirmed Kaizer Chiefs’ exit from the competition, ending their campaign despite a spirited effort, finishing the group with 10 points.
However, Al-Masry delivered a strong home performance, with K. Bambo (63’) and S. Mohsen (81’) on target to secure a 2:0 win over Zesco United that boosts their hopes in the standings. Al-Masry qualified alongside Zamalek from the group C
Meanwhile, in a tight contest with few clear chances, Algerian side USM Alger played out a goalless draw with Moroccan visitors Olympique de Safi. The point helps cement USM Alger’s position in their group as the race for qualification tightens.
USM Alger’s and de Safi both qualify to the tournament knockout phase despite the draw. Alger topped the group with 14 points, while de Safi finished second with 13 points.
Maniema Union produced one of the weekend’s standout performances, racing into a three-goal lead with strikes from Namboka (5’, 29’) and Kinda (44’). The hosts’ attacking intensity rewarded them with a commanding victory and vital points in Group B.
In a close battle, Wydad AC edged Tanzanian side Azam FC by 1 goal to nothing thanks to a Moufid (64’) goal. The narrow win strengthened Wydad’s position and sent them straight to the knockout rounds, Maniema Union finished second in group B and qualified to the Quarterfinals alongside Wydad.
Also, CR Belouizdad secured an important home 2:1 victory over Otoho d’Oyo in the CAF Confederation Cup group C as A. Belhocin (14’) and F. El Melali (41’) found the net. Otoho d’Oyo’s Diallo (68’) goal was not enough to salvage a draw.
The result meant that CR Belouizdad qualified to the Quarterfinals as league toppers with 12 points, while Congo’s Otoho d’Oyo joined from the second spot with nine points.
With the group stage now concluded, attention turns to the CAF Confederation Cup knockout rounds, where qualified teams will compete for continental silverware. Clubs that delivered strong results this weekend will now prepare for the Round of 16, aiming to keep their title hopes alive.
