Egypt’s Pyramids FC and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien were the winners from the opening match day in Group A on Sunday in the 2021-22 CAF Confederation Cup, claiming victories over Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli and Zanaco of Zambia respectively. Pyramids fell behind in the first half to their Libyan counterparts but an inspired second half saw Islam Issa and Walid El Karti score to complete a comeback for the big spending club in Cairo. Issa’s excellent half volley was the pick of the goals before former Wydad Casablanca midfielder El Karti finished from close range on a low cross from Ibrahim Adel for the three points.
In the other match, Zambia’s Zanaco attempted to bunker down and hold out for a draw on the road and nearly pulled it off. However, the visitors conceded a penalty in the final seconds of second half stoppage time and Aymen Harzi converted his spot kick to give CS Sfaxien a winning start at home to the delight of the home crowd. Zanaco will be disappointed but in having only one shot attempt for the entire match, the negative tactics were destined to backfire as CSS pushed forward more and more for the winner.
Highlights from both games are below.
Pyramids FC (EGY) 2-1 Al Ahly Tripoli (LBY)
CS Sfaxien (TUN) 1-0 Zanaco (ZAM)