Historic Opening Round in CAF Confederation Cup

The first round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage ended on Wednesday, making history in the tournament's current format. Eight clubs from the four groups won their matches, each winning without letting in any goals.

In Group A, CS Constantine triumphed 1-0 over Tunisia's CS Sfaxien with a goal from Brahim Dib, while Simba SC of Tanzania claimed a 1-0 win over Angola’s Bravos do Maquis, thanks to a penalty by Jean Charles Ahoua.

Group B saw Mali's Stade Malien defeating Stellenbosch FC 2-0, with goals from Haman Mandjan and Daouda Coulibaly, while Morocco's Renaissance de Berkane also won 2-0 against CD Lunda Sul, with both goals netted by Issoufou Dayo.

With goals from Ismail Belkacemi twice and Saâdi Radouani, Wale Musa Alli, Nabil Lamara, and Oussama Chita, Algeria's USM Alger crushed Botswana's Orapa United 6-0 in Group C. Meanwhile, strikes from Razack Sissé and Kankonde Tshisungu helped Ivorian powerhouse ASEC Mimosas overcome Senegal's ASC Jaraaf 2-0.

Last but not least, Zamalek defeated Mozambique’s Black Bulls 2-0 with goals from Ahmed Esho and Nabil Dunga, while Al Masry defeated Enyimba Aba 2-0 with goals from Mahmoud Hamada.

The excellent performances of both teams in this first round were a strong indication of their ability to withstand the rest of the group stages by showing their tremendous attacking and defensive capabilities.