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 45th 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
21st and 79th 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.
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