Day 1 of the CAF Cup was played on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Trophy holders USM Alger got off to a winning start against Al-Hilal Benghazi (2-0), while Zamalek beat newcomers Abu Salim (1-0).
Zamelek at the rendezvous
A trophy and $2 million (€1.8 million) are at stake in the CAF Cup. On Matchday 1, the favourites showed no signs of wavering. Zamalek wanted to get the CAF Cup campaign off to the best possible start on Sunday November 26. Mission accomplished! In front of their home crowd, the Egyptians won by the slimmest of margins against Libyan club Abu Salem (1-0), who are new to the competition. It was the majestic Egyptian international, Zizo, who enabled Youssef Obama (71st) to score the only goal of the match. Meanwhile, in Group B, Sagrada Esperança of Angola beat SOAR of Guinea 2-0, with goals from Lépua (35th) and Tati (75th). Enough to send the Angolans to the top of the group on goal difference ahead of the 2019 winners.
USMA assumes its status
At the start of the season, USM Alger are struggling in the league. Matchday 1 of the CAF Cup group stage was a chance to bounce back. In a press conference, midfielder Oussama Chita had already warned that they would have to assume the status of favourites. "We are the holders of the trophy (of the CAF Cup). We have to show that we can beat any team. We're focused on Sunday's game. We're expecting a tough match, but we're going to do our utmost to win," he stressed. The Algerians shone at home against Al-Hilal Benghazi (2-0). Islam Merili (54th) and Tumisang Orebonye (90th+4th) were on target.
As with USMA, RS Berkane made no mistake in their opening game. The Moroccans produced a clean sheet to see off Sekhukhune United (2-0). Despite goals from Tahif (14th) and El Fahli (86th), RS Berkane will not be leading Group D following Stade Malien's victory over Diables Noirs (1-3).
Results of Day 1 of the CAF Cup:
Group A:
Modern Future 1-0 SuperSport United
USM Alger 2-0- Al Hilal Benghazi
Group B:
Zamalek FC 1-0 Abu Salem
Segrada Esperanca 2-0 CO Coyah
Group C:
Club Africain 2-0 Dreams FC
Rivers United 3-0 Academica do Lobito
Group D :
Diables Noirs 1-3 Stade Malien
RS Berkane 2-0 Sekhukhune United
