Pyramids FC of Egypt secured the top spot in Group One of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Power Dynamos of Zambia 3-1 in Cairo. The result eliminates Power Dynamos from contention.
Mustafa Zico opened the scoring for Pyramids in the 17th minute, but Frederick Mulambia quickly equalized for the Zambian side just two minutes later. Youssef Ibrahim “Obama” and Everton da Silva then added goals for Pyramids in the 33rd and 59th minutes, respectively, sealing the victory and ensuring their progression as group leaders with 16 points.
Elsewhere in Group One, Nefta FC of Morocco also advanced to the knockout stage, securing second place with a 3-0 win against Rivers United of Nigeria. Youssef Mehri scored in the 38th minute, followed by a brace from Senegalese player Paul Bassene in the 43rd and 53rd minutes. Nefta finished with 10 points, trailing Pyramids.
In Group Four, Esperance of Tunisia confirmed their qualification with a 2-0 victory over Petro Atlético of Angola. Abou Bakr Diakité scored for Esperance in the 46th minute, and Jacques Diarra added another in the 81st minute. Esperance secured second place with 9 points, behind group winners, Al-Merrikh of Sudan.
Al-Hilal of Sudan topped Group Three after a 1-0 win against Saint Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Steve Iboulla scoring the decisive goal in the 26th minute. The match also saw a player sent off from each team. Al-Hilal finished with 11 points, while Saint Eloi remained at the bottom of the group with 5 points.
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa also advanced from Group Three, defeating Mouloudia Alger of Algeria 2-0. Colombian player Brian Moniéz scored both goals for Sundowns, in the 6th and 63rd minutes, securing second place with 9 points. Mouloudia Alger were eliminated, finishing with 7 points.
Pyramids FC are preparing to travel to Nigeria with a squad of 19 players, according to reports.
