By McGeorge Mbare
The battle for the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final spots kicked off with balanced intensity, setting the stage for potentially exciting return legs schedule to take place on April 9, 2025.
South African outfit Stellenbosch FC played to a goalless draw at the Cape Town Stadium against Egyptian giants and defending champions Zamalek SC.
Newbies, Stellenbosch will be looking forward to find an away goal in Cairo next week which will no doubt be touted the surprise of the tournament if the pull it off against the White Knights whare favourites to notch a home win.
Backed by the home crowd, there is no doubt that the trip to the mythical land of Pharaohs will be much more intimidating, following the White Knights ‘ failure to find the back of net in Cape Town.
Morocco’s RS Berkane secured a 1-0 victory against Ivory Coast ‘s ASEC Mimosas.
Imad Riahi found the back of the net on the 75th minute, just 6 minutes after come in as a substitute, bringing the Ivorian capital into its knees in a tightly contested encounter.
In another notable encounter, Tanzanian giant Simba suffered a 2-0 defeat against the Egyptian side Al Masry.
Simba will have to score 3 goals without conceding in order for them to regain their hopes of securing semi final spot which is hanging precariously.
The Algerian derby between Constantine and USM Alger ended with a 1-1 draw on their first leg leaving room for USM Algier with a task to defend the next encounter and not concede an away goal for them to secure the semi final spot.
Temine Mounder, 23 found the back of the net on the 29th minute of the game before DR Congo International Kevin Zatu scored an equaliser on the 73th minute of the game.
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