Rivers United’s participation in the CAF Confederation Cup came to an end on Sunday as they played out a goalless draw with Young Africans and lost 2-0 on aggregate, while Marumo Gallants overpowered Pyramids FC 2-1 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals in their debut continental campaign.
The Pride of Rivers recorded a 2-0 loss to their Tanzanians opponents in the first leg in Uyo and had a molehill to climb in the return leg in leg in Dar es Salaam. The goalless draw was more than enough to hand Young Africans their first-ever semi-final berth in any CAF club competition.
They will get to take on Marumo Gallants of South Africa in the last four following their 1-0 victory over Pyramids FC of Egypt. The first leg ended 1-1 in Cairo and Celimpilo Ngema’s lone strike in the return leg was more than enough to ensure Marumo’s fairytale continental debut continues.
ASEC Mimosas were the third Sub-Saharan African team to reach the semi-finals after their 2-0 victory over US Monastir of Tunisia. The first leg ended goalless in Rades but goals from Franck Carlos ZouZou and Peodoh Pacome Zouzoua guaranteed ASEC the victory on aggregate and a first-ever Confederation Cup semi-final appearance.
The Ivorian giants will get to slog it out with the only North African team left in the competition, USM Alger. The Algerian outfit made it to the semis after a narrow 4-3 aggregate victory over FAR Rabat of Morocco.
USM were comfortable 2-0 winners from the first leg but went toe to toe with FAR in the Moroccan capital, equalising on two occasions after going behind. Diney Borges scored the winner for FAR in added time but it was not enough to flip the aggregate scoreline in their favour.
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FINAL. FOUR.#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/BiofD1Thf0
— TotalEnergies CAFCL – TotalEnergies CAFCC ???? (@CAFCLCC) April 30, 2023
The Confederation Cup semi-final first leg takes place on May 10 with Young Africans and ASEC enjoying home advantage. The second leg is slatted for May 17.
