CS Constantine delivered the shock of matchday one in the CAF Confederation Cup, defeating three-time champions CS Sfaxien 1-0 in Tunisia on Wednesday.
Brahim Dib scored the only goal in the 81st minute, maintaining Constantine’s unbeaten streak in this season’s competition. The Algerian side reached the group stage with consecutive wins over Police of Rwanda and Nsoatreman of Ghana. Constantine’s victory positions them as the early leaders in Group A.
Elsewhere, home advantage played a significant role, with all other matches resulting in wins for the hosts. Defending champions Zamalek secured a comfortable home victory. Meanwhile, Algerian club USM Alger thrashed Orapa United of Botswana 6-0, led by Ismail Belkacemi’s brace.
Tanzanian giants Simba edged past Angola’s Bravos Maquis 1-0, courtesy of a Jean-Charles Ahoua penalty.
It was mixed fortunes for former champions as Renaissance Berkane, Stade Malien, and USM Alger showed their pedigree with commanding performances; Nigerian side Enyimba and South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC suffered 2-0 losses to Al Masry and Stade Malien, respectively.
CS Constantine was the only one of the six debutant clubs to win or even avoid defeat, underlining their potential to disrupt the dominance of seasoned North African teams in this competition.
