Key Highlights
- The 2025–26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage kicked off with exciting matches.
- Belouizdad and Al Masry secured victories in their respective groups, while Stellenbosch’s win came at the last minute.
- USM Alger and Wydad Casablanca also made strong starts to their campaigns.
- The group stages will feature intense competition with matches between top teams from Round 2 onwards.
Group Stage Opener in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup
The 2025–26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage began on a dramatic note, with several teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. The tournament, which is one of Africa’s premier club competitions, featured four tightly contested matches across all groups.
Group A – Safi and USM Alger Take Early Control
Olympique de Safi demonstrated its dominance in Group A by securing a 1–0 away victory against Djoliba. The goal came from Salaheddine Errahouli, who took the strike just before halftime on 29 minutes. Despite facing intense second-half pressure, Safi managed to hold on for their crucial win.
In Algiers, USM Alger provided a thrilling spectacle with a five-goal thriller against San Pedro. Goals by Houssem Ghacha, Adem Alilet, and Saadi Radouani were enough to secure the victory over the Ivorians, who replied through Dramane Kamagate and Mouhammadou Karamoko.
The results so far have seen both Safi and USM Alger lead Group A with three points each. Djoliba and San Pedro remain winless at this stage.
Group B – Wydad and Maniema Match Early Wins
Former African champions Wydad Casablanca started their campaign in ruthless fashion, defeating debutants Nairobi United 3–0 in a commanding display. Goals from Ayoub Boucheta, Mohamed Bouchouari, and Mohamed Rayhi secured the statement win for Wydad. Meanwhile, AS Maniema Union joined them on three points after a confident 2–0 victory over Azam FC. Christian Panzi scored the first goal, with Chadoma Ozome adding a second late in the match.
The early wins have placed Wydad and Maniema at the top of Group B, while Azam and Nairobi United are still seeking their first points.
Group C – Sharp Performances from CR Belouizdad and Stellenbosch
CR Belouizdad dominated in Algiers, defeating Singida Black Stars 2–0 with early goals from Belhocini and Benguit. This win has put Belouizdad at the top of Group C on goal difference. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch secured a dramatic home win over AS Otoho after Angelo Cupido scored in stoppage time. The late strike gave Stellenbosch the victory they needed.
The group stage will see these teams compete against each other as they vie for a place in the knockout rounds.
Group D – Al Masry’s Thriller and Zamalek’s Draw
In Group D, Al Masry secured a thrilling 2–1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in Port Said. Bonheur Mugisha’s penalty and Mohamed Hashem’s late strike proved decisive against Dillon Solomons’ equaliser for the South African team. Meanwhile, Zamalek were left frustrated after settling for a 1–1 draw against ZESCO United in Ndola.
Despite their dominance, they failed to turn it into a second goal.
Al Masry now leads Group D with three points, while Zamalek and Kaizer Chiefs share the same tally. ZESCO remains winless as of matchday one.
Next Fixtures – Intense Competition Ahead
The next round will feature some exciting matchups. Olympique de Safi will face USM Alger in a critical encounter, while San Pedro and Djoliba will also compete for crucial points. In Group B, Azam FC will challenge Wydad Casablanca, with Nairobi United facing Maniema Union.
Group C will see Stellenbosch take on CR Belouizdad, with Singida Black Stars going up against Otoho d’Oyo. Lastly, in Group D, ZESCO United and Kaizer Chiefs will face off, while Zamalek will play against Al Masry.
The upcoming matches promise to be intense, as teams vie for control of their respective group standings.
