Defending champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup USM Alger, along with four other African clubs secured their tickets to the Quarter-Finals of the competition after Match Day 5 on Sunday, 25 February.
Despite losing 2-1 to Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi, the reigning champions, who also hold the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup title headline the current five clubs that have booked their respective places in the knockout phase of this season’s edition.
After a pulsating round of Match Day 5, the five clubs that have successfully advanced to the Quarter-Finals with a game in hand are: USM Alger, (Algeria), Abu Salem (Libya), RS Berkane (Morocco), Stade Malien (Mali) and Zamalek (Egypt).
Of the five clubs that have qualified, four have won the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup trophy, which are current holders, USM Alger (2022/23), Stade de Malien (2008/09), RS Berkane (2019/20, 2021/22, ) as well as Zamalek (2018/19).
With Match Day 6 scheduled for next weekend to make up the final eight (8) that will aim to dethrone USM Alger, Group B (Zamalek, Abu Salem) and D (RS Berkane, Stade Malien) has been decided with a game to spare, which sees all eyes cast on Group A and D to battle for the three remaining spots.
In Group A, Egypt’s Modern Future need a mere point to take them through but will be up against a highly spirited, Al Hilal Benghazi who could topple them from second place should they get the away win.
An interesting scenario has presented itself in Group C where leaders, Dreams FC of Ghana, who are on 12 points face Rivers United of Nigeria who are three points behind them.
Tunisian side, Club Africain are also on 9 points and face the already eliminated Academica do Lobito of Angola in Tunisia, who may want to bow out of the competition in style by causing a major upset against the more fancied Tunisians at home.
Match Day 6 Fixtures | Sunday, 03 March
USM Alger – SuperSport United
Sagrada Esperanca – Abu Salem
Modern Future – Al Hilal Benghazi
Diables Noirs – Sekhukhune United
Rivers United – Dreams FC
Club Africain – Academica do Lobito
RS Berkane – Stade Malien
Zamalek – CO Coyah