The South Africans of Marumo Gallants validated their place in the semi-finals against Pyramids (1-0) for their first participation in the competition. The Young Africans also join the last four for the first time in their history after their draw against Rivers United (0-0).
After a disappointing draw (0-0) in the quarter-final first leg on April 23, the suspense remained between ASEC Mimosas and US Monastir. The return match was bound to be more committed for the two teams, who were going to seek to validate their place for the semi-finals without going through penalties. It was the players of ASEC Mimosas who this time dominated the debates against the Tunisians (2-0), this Sunday, April 30 in Abidjan. The Ivorians scored twice in added time, first in the first half with the opener of defender Franck Zouzou (45th + 1, 1-0), then in the last moments of the match thanks to Pacôme Zouzoua (90th + 1) which doubled the bet. ASEC Mimosas joins the last four of the competition (2-0 aggregate score) and is approaching a possible first coronation in the Confederation Cup, after a title already won in the CAF Champions League in 1998.
Everything was still to be done also between the South Africans of Marumo Gallants and the Egyptians of Pyramids, who had not managed to decide between themselves in the first leg (1-1). Despite several good chances from Pyramids, such as attempts by Walid El Karti (25th), Fagrie Lakay (72nd) or Mohamed El-Gabbas in the last seconds (90th + 6), the only goal of the match was scored by Celimpilo Ngema (39th, 1-0) just before the break. A goal that is enough for Marumo Gallants to secure his place in the last four of the competition (2-1 aggregate score).
Historic qualification for Young Africans
The Young Africans had already done the necessary in the first leg against the Nigerians of Rivers United thanks to the double of their Congolese striker Fiston Mayele, author of five goals in the competition this season. The return shock was not as prolific, since the two teams left with a clean scoreline despite attempts by Khalid Aucho (52nd) and Stephane Aziz Ki (65th). By preserving their first leg quarter-final result, the Young Africans qualify for the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in their history (2-0 aggregate score).
The last meeting of these quarter-finals pitted FAR Rabat, already winners of the competition in 2005, against USM Algiers. Beaten 0-2 by the Algerians in the first leg, they were revived at the start of the second leg by the goal against his camp by Oussama Chita (8th, 1-0). Saâdi Redouani wasted no time in putting the two teams equal a few moments later (12th, 1-1), again widening the gap between the two opponents. Cape Verdean defender Diney gave hope to the Moroccans in the second half (60th, 2-1), before Khaled Bousseliou answered him (78th, 2-2). Mohamed Hrimat scored a 3rd penalty goal in added time for the Moroccans (90th +7, 3-2), but did not allow FAR Rabat to avoid elimination despite a successful match. USM Alger wins the last ticket for the last four of the competition (4-3 cumulative score).
The results of the quarter-finals (home and away)
ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) Q – US Monastir (Tunisia): 2-0 aggregate score
Marumo Gallants (South Africa) Q – Pyramids (Egypt): 2-1 aggregate score
Young Africans (Tanzania) Q – Rivers United (Nigeria): 2-0 aggregate score
FAR Rabat (Morocco) – USM Algiers (Algeria) Q : 3-4 cumulative score
The program for the semi-finals (go: May 10; return: May 17)
ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) – USM Algiers (Algeria)
Young Africans (Tanzania) – Marumo Gallants (South Africa)