CAF Confederation Cup (Matchday 5): just one quarter-final place left up for grabs
CAF Confederation Cup: seven of the eight qualifiers are now known. We have US Monastir, Marumo Gallants, USM Alger, Young Africans, Rivers United, Asec Mimosas and AS FAR.
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Groups B and D settled, Mazembe powerless
In Group B, things are already settled. Ivorians Asec Mimosas are through thanks to a 2-1 win on DCMP Imana's own pitch. Aubin Kramo Kouamé (27th, 90th) carried his side, who reach the quarter-finals on 10 points, level with Rivers United. The Nigerians (2nd, 10 pts) came away with a 2-2 draw against Congolese side Diables Noirs thanks to a brace from Nwagua. In this group, Diables Noirs (3rd, 5 pts) and DCMP (4th, 3 pts) are eliminated.
In Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup too, the only major issue left is who will finish top. Winners over Monastir 2-0 on Sunday 19 March, Young Africans went top on ten points, level with their opponents on the day. Both teams go through to the quarter-finals. The disappointing result of the day belongs to Tout-Puissant Mazembe. The Congolese club lost away to Real Bamako. Ousmane Kamissoko scored a brace (45+2, 61st) for the Malian side, while Fily Traoré pulled one back for Mazembe. With this defeat, the Congolese club are officially out of this CAF Confederation Cup with a meagre three points and bottom spot in Group D. A huge disappointment for one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Pyramids and Future FC neck and neck
On the sixth and final matchday of the CAF Confederation Cup, Group C is well worth watching, as the suspense is total. Winners over Pyramids 1-0, AS Far lead the way on 10 points and are guaranteed a quarter-final spot, while their opponents on the day sit second on 8 points. However, Future FC, comfortable 3-0 winners over Asko (4th, 1 pt), also have 8 points. And by a quirk of the fixture list, Pyramids and Future FC will meet on this final matchday. The two sides will battle it out for the last qualifying ticket for the quarter-finals.
That is because earlier in the day, USM Alger (2nd, 8 pts) and Marumo Gallants (1st, 9 pts) secured their qualification. The Algerians did it with a draw against Lupopo (1-1), and the South Africans despite a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Libyan side Al Akhdar.
All the qualifiers
US Monastir
Marumo Gallants
USM Alger
Young Africans SC
Rivers United
Asec Mimosas
AS FAR