CAF Confederations Cup news

The Red Lions of Msimbazi collected a point away from home after playing to a draw against Petro de Luanda in their Group D match of the CAF Champions League on Saturday. The Tanzanian giants showed resilience in Luanda to hold the hosts in a tightly contested encounter at Estádio 11 de Novembro, however, the result was not enough to keep their campaign alive, as their journey in this season’s competition comes to an end.

The Glamour Boys host the Green Eagles in South Africa, aware that a win will give them a massive chance to make the knockout phase. The Soweto giants have won four out of the last five games across all competitions, and will be aiming at making it three in a row in Group D of the annual CAF inter-club competition.

Unrelenting Masandawana grinded yet another positive outcome as they try as hard as possible to close in on their title rivals. As Downs registered another victory, it was another good day for a South African star who is in good scoring form. With Pirates and Sundowns engaged in a tight battle for the title, the defending champions, Kaizer Chiefs, languish in the fifth position.

The Soweto giants have come under growing criticism for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Much of the scrutiny has been aimed at both the forwards and midfielders, whose struggles to convert chances have raised concern. There are now fears that the continued bluntness in attack could derail their campaign and leave them empty-handed at the end of the season.

The journey has come to an end for the 2020/21 Nedbank Cup winners, as the third-tier outfit failed to cause an upset against the Sea Robbers. For the Buccaneers, the journey to a season quadruple is alive as they now chase the cup lost to bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, last season and the Premier Soccer League title. Amakhosi, the defending champions, were knocked out of the competition by Stellenbosch.

The midfielder finds himself in an Amakhosi side that has struggled to supply players to the South Africa national team, while teammates Inacio Miguel and Glody Lilepo have also lost their places in the Angola and DR Congo teams, respectively. However, the 22-year-old has remained in contention at international level under the watch of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

The Soweto giants appear to boast improved defences this season, with their shot-stoppers also earning praise for being solid between the sticks. Their performances have inevitably sparked debate over who stands out as the best so far this term. A legendary former goalkeeper has now weighed in with his view which could also further fuel the debate.

The Soweto giants were eliminated from this prestigious knockout tournament right at the first attempt to defend it after they were crowned champions last season to end a decade-long trophy drought. To lift this premier knockout competition in South Africa last term, they had to eliminate Mamelodi Sundowns and then beat the Buccaneers in the final.

The Glamour Boys have so far failed to make an impact in the two South African cup competitions played. It is a blow to the supporters, technical team, and all the stakeholders associated with the Soweto giants, especially after the heavy investment in the off-season transfer window. The management now hopes the team will rise and deliver in the remaining assignments.

The versatile midfielder has had a tough week in the wake of Amakhosi's elimination from the domestic annual competition. The Bafana Bafana international had some massive opportunities to put his name on the score sheet but failed to capitalise on them. However, his compatriot has stood firm in his defence, insisting it is common in football.

Fresh from elimination in the prestigious domestic knockout competition, the Soweto giants now turn their focus to their continental assignment. They host their Egyptian opponents determined to pick themselves up from the domestic setback. A strong response on home soil would restore confidence and keep their ambitions in Africa alive.

In a shocking twist of events, the Nigerian goalkeeper left the Chilli Boys after an impressive outing with the Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Since he signed for Chippa from Katsina United in 2022, the goalkeeper has gone on to become a fan favourite. That explains why his exit was greeted with shock, as it was an unexpected move at all.

When Amakhosi lifted the cup last season, it helped them end a decade-long wait for a trophy. However, their journey this season came to an end after they were beaten by Stellenbosch in a Round 32 game. Now, their win over Bucs to lift the Nedbank Cup has been questioned, with the team's management blamed for the loss.

The Uruguayan-South African winger has struggled to cement a starting place this season, a situation that seems to have worsened since Amakhosi returned from the 2025 AFCON break. At 34, he remains one of the most experienced figures in the Soweto giants’ squad. His limited game time has raised questions about his role and future at the club.

The 29-year-old won and calmly converted a penalty for Amakhosi against Stellenbosch FC, yet he still seems to struggle to convince a former Amajita winger. Having arrived at Naturena from Indonesia ahead of the current season, his ability was widely questioned from the outset. It is a challenge he continues to confront to win the hearts of the Soweto giants' fans.

The 22-year-old was guilty of spurning clear-cut opportunities, including one-on-one situations, as Amakhosi fell to the Cape Winelands side on Wednesday. His wastefulness in front of goal proved costly on a night when the Soweto giants had good chances to win the match. It was a display which left Amakhosi fans frustrated and aired their disapproval every time the midfielder missed opportunities.

The former Premier League outfit Fulham and Morocco defender has been giving players chances to prove their worth at the Sea Robbers. However, he has also made some daring calls like letting the South Africa international striker leave in the recent transfer window. The 47-year-old tactician has now justified his decision.