The first-leg matches of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals have been completed.
South African side Stellenbosch hosted Egyptian club Zamalek. It was a balanced match with no goals scored, giving Zamalek an advantage as they played away from home.
RS BERKANE EDGES ASEC MIMOSAS IN IVORY COAST
In another match, Ivorian team ASEC Mimosas faced one of this season’s in-form teams, RS Berkane. The Moroccan club, currently leading their domestic league by a margin of 15 points, secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Imad Riahi’s goal in the 75th minute.
ASEC Mimosas winger David Koffi received a second yellow card and was sent off, meaning he will miss the next match. RS Berkane now holds a strong advantage for the return leg at home.
AL-MASRY CLAIMS VICTORY OVER SIMBA
The third match of the day saw Egyptian team Al-Masry take on Tanzanian club Simba.
Simba dominated, registering 18 shots and putting significant pressure on their opponents. However, Al-Masry’s goalkeeper, Mahmoud Gad, delivered an outstanding performance, denying Simba any goals.
The Tanzanian side was not as fortunate defensively. In the 16th minute, Abderrahim Deghmoum struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty area to put Al-Masry ahead.
Then, in the final moments of the match, John Okoye Ebuka doubled the lead, securing a 2-0 home victory for the Egyptian club.
CS CONSTANTINE AND USM ALGER SHARE THE SPOILS
The last match of the day featured an all-Algerian encounter between CS Constantine and USM Alger. The home side started strongly, taking the lead in the 29th minute through Mounder Temine.
However, this goal fired up USM Alger, who gradually took control of the game. In the 52nd minute, they were awarded a penalty, but Mehdi Merghem’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya. USM Alger kept pushing and eventually equalized in the 73rd minute when Kevin Mondeko capitalized on a rebound.
Just as momentum was shifting in their favor, Salim Bounkenchouche received a red card for a reckless foul, leaving USM Alger with 10 men. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The second-leg matches will be played on April 9, with teams battling for a spot in the semi-finals.