Confederation Cup Play-Offs Set for Decisive Return Legs Across Africa
The second-leg fixtures of the CAF Confederation Cup play-offs are set to unfold this weekend, with teams across the continent vying for coveted spots in the group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Following an encouraging 2-1 away win against South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, Ivorian powerhouse ASEC Mimosas will look to seal qualification in front of their home fans on Sunday in Abidjan. A solid performance in the first leg has put them in a commanding position to advance.
Meanwhile, fellow Ivorian side Séwé Sport also carry a strong advantage into their second-leg tie, having defeated Nigeria’s Bayelsa United 2-0 in San Pedro. They now travel to Nigeria aiming to defend their lead and continue their continental journey.
Saturday’s fixtures will see Moroccan club DH El Jadida hosting Egyptian giants Al Ahly, with the visitors carrying a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg. The clash promises to be one of the most closely watched ties of the round, given Al Ahly’s status as one of the continent’s most successful clubs.
Sunday will also witness an all-Malian clash as Djoliba attempt to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against AS Real, while Tunisia’s CA Bizertin and ES Sahel aim to progress from goalless first-leg draws against Zambia’s Nkana FC and Guinea’s Horoya respectively.
Elsewhere, Ghanaian side Medeama face an uphill battle against AC Leopards of Congo, having lost the first leg 2-0, and Angola’s Petro Atletico will look to overturn a 2-1 deficit when they host Cameroon’s Coton Sport.
Full Weekend Fixture List:
Saturday, April 26
DH El Jadida (MAR) vs. Al Ahly (EGY) (First leg: 0-1)
Bayelsa United (NGA) vs. Séwé Sport (CIV) (0-2)
Sunday, April 27
CA Bizertin (TUN) vs. Nkana FC (ZAM) (0-0)
ES Sahel (TUN) vs. Horoya (GUI) (0-0)
Djoliba (MLI) vs. AS Real (MLI) (1-2)
Medeama (GHA) vs. AC Leopards (CGO) (0-2)
ASEC Mimosas (CIV) vs. Kaizer Chiefs (RSA) (2-1)
Petro Atletico (ANG) vs. Coton Sport (CMR) (1-2)
With tight scorelines and several ties delicately poised, the weekend promises high drama and pivotal moments as clubs battle for a place among Africa’s elite in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
