CAF Confederation Cup: Club Africain Edge Past ASO Chlef to Secure Group Stage Spot
Club Africain have booked their place in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over Algeria’s ASO Chlef in the second leg of the round of 16. With the first leg ending 1-1 in Chlef, the Tunisians held the upper hand going into Sunday’s decisive fixture in Radès—and made it count.
The match-winner came courtesy of Imed Meniaoui, whose goal proved enough to see the Tunisian side through on aggregate. While the result was positive, Club Africain’s performance left much to be desired, and head coach Daniel Sanchez was candid in his post-match assessment.
“We played against a good opponent, but the most important thing is qualification,” Sanchez told reporters. “I expected a difficult match, but my team was unrecognisable today. We missed many clear chances.”
The coach also took issue with sections of the home crowd who jeered the players at full time. Despite reaching the next round of a major continental competition, parts of the Club Africain faithful appeared dissatisfied with the team’s display.
“I don’t approve of the fans’ reaction towards the players after the match,” Sanchez added. “They must remember that our main objective is winning the league title. That should remain the focus.”
Club Africain will now prepare for the final play-off round before the group stage, where they’ll face one of the clubs eliminated from the CAF Champions League. For ASO Chlef, the journey ends here after a spirited campaign, while Club Africain continue their quest for continental glory—albeit under pressure to match their domestic ambitions with results on the African stage.
