The third round of the TotalEnergies African Champions League and Confederation Cup group stages delivered thrilling encounters, late drama and decisive victories across the continent.

CAFonline described the third round with Al Hilal’s stunning win in Algiers and Esperance Tunis’ dominance in Radès. The Champions League matches showcased Africa’s elite clubs battling for decisive points at the halfway stage of the competition.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns secured their first win, while Orlando Pirates maintained their grasp on Group C despite being held to a draw. Group D saw Esperance Tunis take command with an impressive victory over Egypt’s Pyramids, while a goalless draw between Djoliba and Sagrada kept things tight.

As reported by cafonline, the group standings’ race for knockout qualification intensifies as teams prepare for the decisive second half of the campaign.

Group A saw Al Hilal Omdurman continue their dominant start with a hard-fought 1-0 win over MC Alger in Algiers, courtesy of Guessouma Fofana’s header in the 76th minute. The Sudanese side now leads the group with nine points. Earlier in the day, Mazembe and Young Africans played out a dramatic 1-1 draw. Cheick Fofana gave Mazembe the lead before Prince Dube’s stoppage-time equaliser rescued a point for Yanga. MC Alger remains second with four points, while Mazembe and Yanga trail with two and one point, respectively.

In Group B Mamelodi Sundowns earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Raja Casablanca, thanks to Iqraam Rayners’ 65th-minute strike. The South African side now shares the top spot with FAR Rabat, who drew 1-1 against Maniema Union. Exaucia Moanda’s first-half goal for Maniema was canceled out by To Carneiro’s second-half equaliser for FAR Rabat. Raja Casablanca remains bottom with one point, struggling to find form in the competition. The group remains wide open as Sundowns and Rabat push for qualification.

Group C witnessed Orlando Pirates maintaining their spot at the top of Group C after a 1-1 draw with Stade d’Abidjan. Evidence Makgopa’s penalty put Pirates ahead, but Ousmane Méité’s 53rd-minute equaliser ensured a share of the spoils. Stade d’Abidjan dominated late on but were thwarted by Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ahly match against CR Belouizdad was postponed, leaving Ahly with a game in hand. Pirates lead with five points, but Ahly, on four points, could overtake them.

In Group D, Esperance Tunis cemented their lead with a commanding 2-0 victory over Pyramids. Youcef Belaïli’s first-half strike and Elias Mokwana’s goal before halftime sealed the win. In the group’s other match, Djoliba and Sagrada Esperança played out a tense goalless draw. Djoliba struck the woodwork twice but couldn’t break through Sagrada’s resilient defence. Esperance leads with seven points, while Pyramids are second on four points. Djoliba and Sagrada remain winless with two points each.

The next round of fixtures of the Champions League will take place on 1 March 2025 with Al Hilal Omdurman vs MC Alger and TP Mazembe vs Young Africans in Group A while group B will see FAR Rabat vs Maniema Union and Raja Casablanca vs Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group C will see CR Belouizdad vs Ahly and Orlando Pirates vs Stade d’Abidjan while Group D will feature the games of Sagrada Esperança vs Djoliba and Esperance Tunis vs Pyramids

Meanwhile, the second-tier Confederation Cup group stage delivered another thrilling weekend of football as the third round of matches concluded as the competition reached its halfway stage. 

In Group A, Simba’s 2-1 win over CS Sfaxien saw them climb to second place, level on six points with Bravos do Maquis and Constantine. Maquis edged Constantine 3-2 in a pulsating encounter, with substitute Célio scoring a dramatic late winner. Sfaxien’s struggles continued as they remain bottom with zero points, while Constantine lead the group thanks to a superior goal difference. The race for qualification remains wide open.

Group B saw RS Berkane cement their top spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Stade Malien, courtesy of Issoufou Dayo’s late penalty. Stellenbosch earned a hard-fought 1-0 away win over CD Lunda Sul, moving into third place. Stade Malien, despite their defensive resilience, hold second position with four points, but Berkane look unstoppable as they aim for knockout qualification.

In Group C, USM Alger dominated ASEC Mimosas 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of Group C. An early own goal from Mohamed Yabré and a brace from Ismail Belkacemi sealed the win. Elsewhere, Orapa United and Jaraaf played to a goalless draw, leaving both sides in the bottom half of the standings. ASEC remain second, but USM Alger now look firmly in control of the group.

Group D saw Zamalek beat compatriot club Masri 1-0 in the Egyptian derby, with Zizo’s superb strike proving decisive. Black Bulls Maputo stunned Enyimba 3-0, pushing the Nigerian side to the bottom of Group D. The Bulls’ commanding display, including goals from Rume Akporoh and Ayuba Francis, places them third. Zamalek lead the group with seven points, three points ahead of Masri.

The next fixtures of the Confederation Cup will be held on 5 January 2025:

Group A Constantine vs Bravos do Maquis and Simba vs CS Sfaxien

Group B RS Berkane vs CD Lunda Sul and Stade Malien vs Stellenbosch

Group C will feature USM Alger vs ASEC Mimosas and Jaraaf vs Orapa United

Group D will see Zamalek vs Masri and Black Bulls vs Enyimba

Swiss coach Christian Gross, who is to become Zamalek’s new coach, watched the game against Masri from the stands after replacing Jose Gomes who departed from the club last week.

Gomes stunned Zamalek by terminating his contract to take up a coaching role at Saudi club Al-Fatth.

“The Godfather has returned. Welcome, Christian Gross,” Zamalek wrote on their social media accounts.

The club did not disclose the duration or financial terms of Gross’ contract.

This is Gross’ second stint at the club officially which begins on Thursday when Zamalek face Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League.

Gross first coached Zamalek during the 2018/19 season, leading them to the CAF Confederation Cup title, their first continental trophy in 16 years. However, his tenure ended after disagreements with then-chairman Mortada Mansour and failed negotiations over a contract extension.

Gross has been out of work since his last coaching job at German side Schalke in 2021.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 19 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly