The first match day of the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup concluded with three exciting matchups in the northern part of the continent, as defending champions Zamalek SC (Egypt), USM Alger (Algeria) and RS Berkane (Morocco) all played host to their opening group matches. 

Two time champions, Zamalek SC continued their title defence with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mozambique’s Black Bulls FC.  

Two goals by Ahmed Abdelhamid scored in the 45^th minute as well as an early second half strike by Nabil Emad were enough to secure a good start to the champions’ Group D campaign.  

Champions of the 2021/22 edition, Morocco’s RS Berkane welcomed Club Desportivo de Lunda Sul of Angola to the opener of Group B. 

With a strong intention of reclaiming their title, Berkane secured a convincing 2-0-win courtesy of a Issoufou Dayo brace in the 21^st and 79^th minute of the match that saw the former champions go top of the group

The final match of the evening was a high scoring affair in Algiers when USMA Alger welcomed group stage debutants Orapa United of Botswana.

It was a baptism of fire for the southern African nation who were subjected to a crushing 6-0 defeat by the former champions. 

An early brace by Ismail Belkacemi as well as a goal apiece by Saadi Raouani and Wale Alli put the Algerians four goals clear ahead of the break.

The gap was further extended in the second half with Nabil Lamara getting the fifth immediately from the restart, before Islam Mrili’s 71st strike secured the commanding win for the former champions.

CAF Confederation Cup action continues with Match Day 02 of the group stages on Sunday, 08 December.

Former international and midfielder, Mahmoud Hamada scored twice helping Egyptian side, Masry to claim a 2-0 win over Enyimba at Suez Stadium in the Confederation Cup group stage opener on Wednesday.

He smashed in a rebound after just six minutes of the match.

 The Port-Saidi-based side controlled the game and they were close to double the lead on many occasions but they failed to score.

They waited until the 73rd minute when Hamada met a pinpoint cross from Mohamed El-Shami to fire home.  

With the result, Masry are leading the Group which also includes fellow Egyptian club and defending champions, Zamalek and also Black Bulls of Mozambique.

Defending champions Zamalek will host the Mozambican side later Wednesday.

Tanzanian giants Simba SC began their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign on a winning note, edging Angola’s Bravos do Maquis 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. 

Jean Ahoua’s first-half penalty proved decisive in a hard-fought encounter that left the Tanzanian side on top of Group A after the first game.

Simba SC capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Angolan side in the 27th minute when Edmilson handled the ball in the penalty area, gifting Simba a chance to break the deadlock.

Ahoua stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, placing it in the top left corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

The goal set the tone for an intense encounter, with both sides showing glimpses of attacking prowess.

Simba, under the guidance of new coach Maahier Davids, maintained pressure but failed to extend their lead, despite Steven Mukwala coming close with multiple attempts in the first half.

The second half saw Bravos do Maquis push for an equalizer, highlighted by a dramatic moment in the 48th minute when Emmanuel Edmond had a penalty saved by Simba’s goalkeeper.

Bravos’ best opportunities came from Jó Paciência and Macaiabo, whose efforts either sailed over or were blocked by Simba’s resilient defense.

Simba’s Joshua Mutale hit the post in the 66th minute, coming agonizingly close to doubling the lead.

Substitutions from both sides added fresh energy, but neither team could find the back of the net in the latter stages.

Simba’s defense, marshaled by Shomari Kapombe and Mohamed Hussein, stood firm in the dying moments as Bravos pushed for a late equalizer.

The Tanzanian side’s composure under pressure ensured they secured all three points to kick off their campaign in Group A.

The result places Simba SC at the summit of Group A ahead of the group’s other clash between Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien and Algeria’s Constantine, scheduled for later on Wednesday.

With such competitive sides in the “Group of Death,” Simba’s opening victory could prove vital in their quest to progress to the knockout stages.

Standings After Matchday 1:

1. Simba SC (Tanzania) – 3 points
2. CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) – 0 points (yet to play)
3. Constantine (Algeria) – 0 points (yet to play)
4. Bravos do Maquis (Angola) – 0 points