Group Stage Drama Unfolds in the CAF Confederation Cup
The third round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage has delivered a wild set of stories — from expected dominance to jaw-dropping upsets. As the dust settles, only a handful of teams can breathe easy. The competition is heating up just as teams are scrambling for a spot in the knockout stages.
CS Constantine have shown what true control looks like on the continental stage. They demolished CS Sfaxien 3-0, putting themselves out of reach for the chasing pack in Group B. Zakaria Ben Chaa stepped up in a big way, scoring twice to dazzle home fans, before Mondher Tamine wrapped things up with a stoppage-time strike. With this win, CS Constantine is guaranteed a quarter-final place with one matchday to spare, showing why they're becoming a team nobody wants to face next.
But while Constantine celebrated, it was heartbreak for Zamalek. The reigning champions were widely expected to cruise through the group phase. That script was torn to shreds when Stellenbosch arrived in Cairo and snatched all three points in a game few predicted would go the South Africans’ way. Zamalek lacked their old bite, and Stellenbosch went into overdrive, defending with grit and hitting back when it mattered. This defeat means Zamalek’s title defense ends prematurely — a blow that will sting for months to come.
Stellenbosch and USM Alger Advance, Simba Clings to Hope
With Zamalek sent packing, Stellenbosch have become one of the tournament's breakout stories, earning their spot in the last eight. Their new-found confidence has group rivals watching closely. Not to be outdone, USM Alger have also wrapped up qualification, keeping their campaign drama-free and moving steadily towards the business end of the Confederation Cup.
For Simba SC, every point now feels like a lifeline. The Tanzanian side found themselves in an early hole against Bravos do Maquis, after Abednego Mosiatlhaga’s opening goal put the Angolan visitors ahead. But Lionel Ateba’s timely equalizer turned things around, snatching a 1-1 draw and keeping Simba firmly in the hunt for second place in Group A. The final group matchday looms as something of a do-or-die scenario for Simba, who’ll need to hold their nerve — and their defense — if they want to avoid missing out on the knockouts.
Things are anything but settled in several groups. In Group A, for instance, Bravos do Maquis and Simba SC are locked in a tense race for the last quarter-final ticket. One slip or moment of brilliance could decide who advances and who goes home with regrets. With so much up in the air, the closing group-stage games promise more drama, more tension, and maybe a few more surprises.
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