CAF Confederation Cup: CS Sfaxien and AC Léopards Held in Stalemate
Club Sportif Sfaxien and AC Léopards de Dolisie played out a 1-1 draw on Friday evening in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage — a result that leaves both sides still searching for momentum in Group B.
In front of a home crowd in Sfax, the Tunisian side, coached by Paulo Duarte, looked eager to bounce back from their opening defeat. However, despite their territorial dominance, Sfaxien struggled to make their superiority count.
It was the visitors from Congo who struck first, capitalising on defensive hesitation. César Gondzé opened the scoring in the 41st minute, silencing the crowd and giving AC Léopards a surprise lead just before half-time.
The hosts responded swiftly after the break. Just four minutes into the second half, CS Sfaxien were awarded a penalty, which captain Ali Maaloul converted with composure to level the score at 1-1. The equaliser gave the Tunisian side renewed energy, and they piled pressure on the Congolese defence in search of a winner.
Despite several promising opportunities, the home side were repeatedly denied by an outstanding performance from the Léopards’ goalkeeper, who made a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the match.
The result sees both teams earn their first point of the group stage, but the draw will do little to boost either side’s hopes of progressing. With Zamalek and Orlando Pirates — both winners in their opening matches — set to meet on Saturday, Sfaxien and Léopards remain on the back foot in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
