CAF Confederation Cup: AC Léopards Keep Hopes Alive With Vital Win Over Zamalek
ACLéopards of Dolisie have reignited their hopes of qualification in the CAF Confederation Cup with a crucial 1-0 victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek. The win came on Sunday during the fourth round of the group stage, and it was a much-needed lifeline for the Congolese side, who had been struggling at the bottom of the group.
After a series of underwhelming performances, including a 2-0 defeat in Cairo during the previous encounter between the two sides, the Congolese outfit had no margin for error. Coach Lamine Ndiaye had labelled the tie as “crucial” ahead of the match, stressing that anything short of victory would signal the end of their continental ambitions. His players responded with determination and focus at home in Dolisie.
The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when Trésor Mukendi found the net, scoring the only goal of the match. That strike not only secured all three points for the hosts but also injected fresh belief into a team that had been facing elimination.
The victory was not just about points—it was emotional. The team dedicated the win to their captain, Rudy Guelord Bhebey Ndey, who suffered a serious injury in the previous meeting with Zamalek and has been hospitalised since. Speaking ahead of the match, Ndiaye shared that the squad was playing with their captain in mind: “They especially want to play for their comrade who has been confined to a hospital bed for two weeks. We are all thinking of our captain.”
Despite the win, AC Léopards still face an uphill battle. With only two group games remaining, the Congolese side now sits on five points, trailing both Zamalek and Orlando Pirates, who lead the group with eight points each. The Pirates reinforced their lead with a 2-0 win over CS Sfaxien on Saturday.
Although AC Léopards no longer control their destiny, the win has left the door ajar. They now rely on other results going their way in the final two rounds. But for now, they can celebrate a hard-earned victory that keeps their hopes—however slim—alive in this year’s competition.
Coach Ndiaye acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic: “We’re just waiting for the results to materialise on the pitch, especially with success. That’s what’s been lacking.”
The next fixtures will be crucial, and AC Léopards must continue their winning momentum while hoping for favorable outcomes elsewhere. For the time being, they remain in the race—a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit.
