CAF Confederation Cup
Remo Stars Confederation Cup opponents, AS FAR held at home
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s Remo Stars begin their continental adventure on Sunday when they face Moroccan giants, Association sportive des Forces armées royales, commonly known as AS FAR on Sunday in Rabat.
It is in the 20th edition of the African second tier inter-clubs competition, the Confederation Cup.
With the Moroccan Botola Pro league already on and with two matchdays gone, AS FAR with four points, are second on the 16-team log behind Wydad Casablanca.
Both are on four points, but Wydad have a better goal difference.
On Monday evening, AS FAR were held to a 1-1 draw by Renaissance Sportive de Berkane at their 53,000 capacity home ground, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Berkane are the current Confederation Cup holders.
AS FAR shot ahead from an 11th minute penalty kick converted by Reda Slim.
Berkane levelled up in the 36th minute from a goal by Hamza Regragui.
On the first match day, AS FAR won away, 1-0 against Mouloudia Club d’Ouida. Twenty seven year old Cape Verde defender, Diney Borges scored the crucial goal from a 17th minute corner kick.
CAF Confederation Cup
Good start for Confederation Cup defending champions, Zamalek
Zamalek commenced their CAF Confederation Cup journey with a 1-0 win over Kenya’s Police in the initial leg of the second preliminary round held in Nairobi this Saturday.
Veteran winger Abdallah El-Saied secured the win for the Whites with a precise strike from outside the box just a minute before halftime.
The Cairo giants, winners of the 2023-2024 CAF Confederation Cup title, started the match with relentless pressure on the hosts to clinch victory in the first leg and alleviate pressure before the upcoming return fixture in Cairo next Friday.
“The most important thing for us was to win and achieve our target,” Zamalek coach Gomes said after the game.
Hosts Police FC of Kenya could not breach Zamalek’s resolute defense in search of an equalizer.
Despite notable summer acquisitions, Zamalek’s coach Jose Gomes opted for a standard lineup, integrating young talents in lieu of seasoned players.
“We are now stronger than the previous season, thanks to spending more time with the team and preparing to play in the tournaments that we will participate in,” the Portuguese coach added.
Conversely, Kenya’s Police FC squandered a clear scoring opportunity against Zamalek, missing a crucial chance fifteen minutes before the final whistle, dashing hopes of leveling the score.
Kenya’s Police FC earned their place in this round following a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over Ethiopia Coffee SC.
-Ahram
CAF Confederation Cup
Enyimba continues unbeaten run against Burkina Faso clubs
Nigeria’s Enyimba played a thrilling 0-0 draw with Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second round tie in Bamako on Friday.
There have been three previous confrontation with Burkina Faso teams and this Friday encounter was the second time that Enyimba had had to face Etoile Filante.
According to facts supplied by Opta Nigeria, Etoile Filante were Enyimba’s first ever opponent on the continent 22 years ago in March 2002. Ever since, Enyimba have played 157 times on the continent; the highest by any Nigerian club.
Enyimba carry their advantage to the return leg to be played on 22 September.
CAF Confederation Cup
Enyimba drawn against Etoile de Filante in Confederation Cup
Nigeria’s sole survivors in the CAF Confederation Cup,Enyimba will face Burkina Faso sides, Etoile de Filante in the second round of the competition.
Enyimba drew bye in the preliminary round while the Burkina Faso team reached the second round after eliminating Hafia of Guinea.
Enyimba, second runners-up in the Nigerian League will be attempting to win the Confederation Cup for the first time for Nigeria as they did in the Champions League 21 years ago.
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