CAF Confederation Cup: group stage lineup confirmed after second preliminary round

The final list of teams advancing to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup has been confirmed following the conclusion of the second preliminary round’s return fixtures. Several clubs overturned first-leg deficits to secure their place in Africa’s second-tier continental competition.

One of the standout performances came from ASEC Mimosas, who bounced back from a 1-0 defeat in Lomé to secure a crucial 2-0 victory at home in Abidjan.

The Ivorian giants managed to turn the tie on its head and progress to the group stage, much to the delight of their supporters.

In Bamako, Stade Malien delivered a spirited performance against Paynesville FC of Liberia.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Malian club emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in the second leg, booking their spot in the next phase of the competition.

Their experience and resilience proved too much for the Liberian side, as Stade Malien maintained control throughout the match.

Defending CAF Confederation Cup champions USM Alger also advanced to the group stage with a comfortable 2-0 win over Stade Tunisien.

The Algerian side, playing in front of their home fans at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, showed their pedigree by putting in a professional performance and securing their passage without too much difficulty.

Elsewhere, Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek confirmed their place in the group stage, continuing their quest for continental glory.

RS Berkane of Morocco, a club with a strong history in the competition, also advanced, as did Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, adding to the list of formidable teams progressing to the next round.

The draw for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage is set to take place on 7 October 2024 at CAF’s headquarters in Cairo.

Teams from across the continent will soon learn their opponents as the competition enters its next chapter.

Here is a list of the clubs qualified for the group stage:

• ASEC Mimosas
• Stade Malien
• USM Alger
• Zamalek
• RS Berkane
• CS Sfaxien

As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Cairo for the group stage draw, with clubs eager to make their mark in the CAF Confederation Cup.