Algerian derby ends all square; Berkane and Masry secure wins

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025. 20:17

The start of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday featured a tempestuous draw in the all-Algerian tie, while RS Berkane and Al Masry secured key first-leg wins.

Morocco’s Berkane – two-time champions of this competition – defeated Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas 1-0 away at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, courtesy of a strike from Imad Rihai. The hosts also finished with 10 men following the dismissal of David Brou Koffi for a second bookable offence.

Egypt’s Al Masry defeated Tanzania visitors Simba SC 2-0 at the Suez Stadium, courtesy of an early goal from Abderrahim Deghmoum, as well as a late strike from John Ebuka.

The Algerian derby between CS Constantine and USM Alger at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium ended in a 1-1 stalemate. CSS claimed the lead via Mounder Temine and USMA seemed to have spurned a chance at a comeback when Mehdi Merghem missed a penalty early in the second half.

However, Kevin Mondeko Zatu levelled the score with less than 20 minutes to play, only for teammate Salim Boukhenchouche to be sent off soon after and force the visitors from Algiers to hang on grimly for a draw.

In the only afternoon match, played in Cape Town, South Africa, hosts Stellenbosch FC held Egyptian giants Zamalek 0-0.

The second-leg matches will be held on Wednesday 9 April next week.

CAF Confederation Cup midweek results

Quarterfinal, first-leg matches

Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Zamalek

CS Constantine 1-1 USM Alger

ASEC Mimosas 0-1 RS Berkane

Al Masry 2-0 Simba SC