CAF Cup: Historic Maniema Union, cold shower for Kaizer Chiefs
Original public source text. It may contain French even on an English source page. This is not a reviewed English translation. Recovered images and media appear below when available.
Image unavailable.
All original articlesThe curtain fell on the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Sunday. If the North African leaders generally held their ranks, this 6th day was marked by the historic qualification of Maniema Union and the cruel outcome for Kaizer Chiefs.
Group A: USMA keeps the pace and Djoliba for the honor
In the clash for first place at the stadium on July 5th, USM Alger and OC Safi neutralized each other in an intense tactical duel (0-0). A result that solidifies positions: the Algerians finish as leaders (14 pts) ahead of the Moroccans (13 pts). In the other meeting, with no stake for qualification, Djoliba AC saved their honor by hammering FC San Pedro (4-0). The Malians leave the competition on a positive note, leaving the Ivorians trailing in the pool.
Group B: Wydad relies on its executives, Maniema Union exults
Wydad Casablanca ensured the essential at the Mohammed V complex against Azam FC (2-0). Jostled in the first period, the home side was able to count on their experience. It was once again the stainless Wissam Ben Yedder who broke the deadlock with a gesture of great class, before Walid Nassi made the final score at the end of the match.
Behind the Moroccan giant, the sensation comes from Kindu. AS Maniema Union validated their ticket for the quarters by clearly defeating Nairobi United (3-0). The DR Congo club confirms its renewal on the continental stage and finishes with 12 points, definitively ousting Azam from Tanzania.
Group C: CR Belouizdad finish in front of AS Otôho
The duel at the top of group C turned to the advantage of CR Belouizdad. Behind on the score, the Algerians were able to overthrow AS Otôho (2-1) to take the lead of the group. Despite this defeat, the Congolese from Oyo, already qualified, join the top 8 in Africa. Stellenbosch finish their campaign on a frustrating draw, and in numerical inferiority, against Singida Black Stars (0-0).
Group D: Intractable Zamalek, Al-Masry showers the hopes of Kaizer Chiefs
The suspense lasted until the last minutes in group D. Zamalek, already assured of a place, played the game to the end by beating the Kaizer Chiefs (2-1). A result fraught with consequences for the South Africans. Because at the same time, Al-Masry did not tremble against Zesco United (2-0) thanks to goals from Bambo and Mohsen. Tied with Chiefs on points (10 pts), the club from Port-Saïd snatched qualification thanks to a better goal difference (+2 vs +1). One small goal that changes everything.
The eight qualified for the quarter-finals
Group A: USM Alger (ALG), OC Safi (MAR)
Group B: Wydad AC (MAR), Maniema Union (DRC)
Group C: CR Belouizdad (ALG), AS Otôho (CGO)
Group D: Zamalek SC (EGY), Al-Masry (EGY)
The draw for the quarter-finals of the CAF Cup will take place on Tuesday, 17 February at 11am GMT, at the CAF headquarters in Cairo.