CAF Confederation Cup: CS Constantine Glides to Quarter-Finals as Zamalek Face Shocking Exit

21 Apr

by Bathandwa Samfumfana 12 Comments

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.

12 Comments

Lindy Loo
April 23, 2025 AT 20:48

Zamalek just collapsed like a house of cards. I mean, they had the pedigree, the history... but now? This is the kind of upset that makes football beautiful. Stellenbosch didn't just win, they rewrote the script.

And honestly? I'm here for it.
devika daftardar
April 24, 2025 AT 16:21

CS Constantine are playing like theyve been training in a volcano or something bro they just dont stop
Lisa J
April 25, 2025 AT 17:02

OMG I'm crying 😭 Stellenbosch vs Zamalek?? That's like David with a soccer ball vs Goliath with a trophy cabinet. So proud of them!! 🙌
fatima almarri
April 25, 2025 AT 18:56

The tactical discipline from Stellenbosch was... astonishing. Their midfield triage, the press triggers, the spatial compression-it wasn't luck, it was engineered football. This is what happens when a team believes in its identity beyond the scoreboard.
Pragya Jain
April 27, 2025 AT 08:20

Zamalek lost because they forgot they're Egyptian. We don't lose to South African clubs. Not in our house. Not ever. This is an insult to African football.
Bronwen Davies
April 27, 2025 AT 15:33

I love how the CAF Confederation Cup just throws these curveballs. One minute you've got the giants, next minute you've got a team from a town you can't find on a map playing like they've got nothing to lose and everything to prove. That's the magic, isn't it?
Aquilino Mcquiston
April 28, 2025 AT 03:50

Simba SC holding on by a thread reminds me of my grandmas garden she kept watering even when the drought came. Just keep going. One goal. One point. One chance. That's all you need
deepika singh
April 28, 2025 AT 14:55

Zakaria Ben Chaa?? That man is pure fire 🔥 Two goals and a vibe that says 'I was born for this stage'. CS Constantine aren't just winning-they're putting on a show. I want to watch their next game in person just to feel the energy. The whole stadium must be vibrating.
Markos Charatzas
April 29, 2025 AT 09:58

Zamalek’s exit is a national disgrace. The arrogance of African football’s so-called elites. They think they own this continent. Now they’re eating dust. Let this be a lesson to every club that thinks money buys glory. It doesn’t. Grit does. And Stellenbosch had it all.
Lena Michaels
April 30, 2025 AT 23:52

So Simba SC got a draw... and everyone’s acting like it’s a miracle. Dude, they’ve been in this position three times this season. The defense is still leaky as a sieve. They’re not lucky-they’re just surviving. And survival isn’t a strategy.
amar nath
May 1, 2025 AT 10:10

You know what’s wild? Zamalek had the best squad on paper but Stellenbosch had the heart. That’s the thing no stat can measure. In India we say 'dil se khelna'-play from the heart. That’s what Stellenbosch did. And that’s why they’re in the quarters. Not because they’re better. But because they cared more.
Cindy Crawford
May 2, 2025 AT 09:21

Actually, CS Constantine’s goal differential is only +5. That’s not dominant. It’s decent. And USM Alger have a better xG. The narrative is overhyped. Also, Simba’s equalizer came off a defensive error, not skill. Stop romanticizing mediocrity.