CAF Confederation Cup delivers upsets and tight contests
The first-leg encounters of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup concluded on Sunday, delivering a mix of surprising defeats and closely fought draws. Among the notable results, ASEC Mimosas faced a challenging setback in Lomé, while CS Sfaxien secured an important away victory.
In one of the most unexpected results of the round, Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas were defeated 2-1 by Togo’s ASCK.
The Lomé-based side capitalized on their home advantage, leaving ASEC with significant work to do in the second leg.
To keep their CAF Cup hopes alive, ASEC must overturn the deficit when they play host in the return fixture.
Meanwhile, Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli and Tanzania’s Simba SC played out a tense 0-0 draw. Neither side could break the deadlock, and the return leg will now decide which team advances.
The stalemate leaves everything to play for in Tanzania, where Simba will hope to make home advantage count, while Al Ahli Tripoli will need to find the offensive firepower that was lacking in their home fixture.
Elsewhere, CS Sfaxien delivered a solid performance away from home, defeating Rukinzo FC 1-0 in Burundi.
The Tunisian side will be pleased with their away win, giving them a crucial advantage heading into the second leg on their home soil.
Another closely fought battle occurred in Libya, where Al Masry of Egypt were edged out 3-2 by Al Hilal.
Despite the defeat, Al Masry managed to score two important away goals, keeping their chances alive for the return leg in Egypt, where they will look to turn the tie in their favor.
Other results from Sunday’s action saw Zimbabwe’s Dynamos FC triumph 1-0 over Orapa United in Botswana, while Angola’s FC Bravos do Maquis claimed a 1-0 win over DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo.
The preliminary round continues to throw up surprises, with the return legs promising further drama as teams battle for a spot in the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Sunday’s Results:
- Orapa United 0-1 Dynamos FC
- Bravos do Maquis 1-0 Saint-Eloi Lupopo
- Rukinzo FC 0-1 CS Sfaxien
- ASCK 2-1 ASEC Mimosas
- Al Ahli Tripoli 0-0 Simba SC
- Al Hilal 3-2 Al Masry
The return legs will provide teams with a final opportunity to secure their place in the next round, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes clashes.
