The group stage of the 2024-2025 CAF Confederation Cup began on Wednesday, delivering a mix of high-scoring triumphs and decisive victories across all groups. Defending champions USM Alger stole the spotlight with a commanding win, while other top teams also made strong starts.
Group A: Constantine and Simba Claim Opening Wins
In Group A, Algeria’s CS Constantine secured a vital away victory against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, with Brahim Dib scoring the lone goal in the 81st minute to seal a 1-0 result.
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Simba SC edged past Angola’s Bravos do Maquis 1-0, starting their campaign on a positive note.
Standings:
- CS Constantine – 3 points
- Simba SC – 3 points
- CS Sfaxien – 0 points
- Bravos do Maquis – 0 points
Group B: Berkane and Stade Malien Start Strong
Morocco’s RS Berkane impressed in their opener, defeating Angola’s CD Lunda Sul 2-0. Burkina Faso international Issoufou Dayo led the charge with two goals, underscoring his attacking prowess.
In Bamako, Mali’s Stade Malien also secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC, putting both winners at the top of the group.
Standings:
- RS Berkane – 3 points
- Stade Malien – 3 points
- Stellenbosch FC – 0 points
- CD Lunda Sul – 0 points
Group C: USM Alger Thrashes Orapa United
USM Alger delivered the standout performance of the day, thrashing Botswana’s Orapa United 6-0 in Algiers. Ismaïl Belkacemi scored twice, while Saâdi Radouani, Wale Musa Alli, Nabil Lamara, and Islam Merili each added to the tally.
Elsewhere, ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire secured a 2-0 victory over Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf, with goals from Razack Cissé and Kankonde Tshisungu.
Standings:
- USM Alger – 3 points
- ASEC Mimosas – 3 points
- ASC Jaraaf – 0 points
- Orapa United – 0 points
Group D: Egyptian Sides Dominate
Group D saw both Egyptian clubs begin their campaigns with comfortable wins. Zamalek defeated Mozambique’s Associação Black Bulls 2-0, thanks to strikes from Ahmed Abdelrahim Helmy Abdelhamid and Mostafa Shalaby. Al Masry matched that result, beating Nigeria’s Enyimba with the same scoreline.
Standings:
- Zamalek – 3 points
- Al Masry – 3 points
- Enyimba – 0 points
- Black Bulls – 0 points
Looking Ahead
The opening round has set the stage for a competitive group phase as teams aim to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
With standout performances and early momentum, the Confederation Cup promises more thrilling encounters in the weeks to come.
