CAF Confederation Cup: Otohô back in control
AS Otohô took a major step toward the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals by defeating Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars 2-1 on 1 February at Alphonse-Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville. The match counted for the fourth round of the group stage.
The win matters even more because it came at a pressure moment. After losing the previous matchday against the same opponents, the Congolese side entered this fixture knowing that anything less than three points could seriously weaken its qualification hopes.
A must-win night after the previous setback
With their backs against the wall, AS Otohô approached the game with clear urgency. A third defeat in the competition, or even a draw, would have complicated the route to the last eight and tightened the race inside the group.
At home, however, the club has looked more comfortable since the start of this campaign. That trend continued in Brazzaville, where AS Otohô combined patience with a clear plan to take advantage of key moments as the match opened up.
Red card shifts the momentum in Brazzaville
The first half produced few clear chances, but the game’s turning point arrived early. Singida Black Stars were reduced to 10 men after their starting goalkeeper, Boniphace Metacha, was sent off in the 24th minute for dangerous play on an AS Otohô player.
From that moment, the match became a test of discipline and decision-making. AS Otohô kept working for openings, while the Tanzanian side tried to hold its shape and protect itself with an outfield replacement in goal.
Exaucé Nzaou changes the game off the bench
After the break, AS Otohô finally found the breakthrough. Substitute Exaucé Nzaou made an immediate impact, scoring at the 51st minute to put the Congolese team in front and bring the home crowd fully into the game.
Nzaou then doubled his tally in the 80th minute, completing a brace that proved decisive. His goals rewarded a second-half push and gave AS Otohô the cushion it had been looking for, especially against an opponent fighting with 10 men.
Group standings: Otohô moves into second place
Thanks to this victory, AS Otohô returned to second place in the group with six points. The Congolese club now sits two points ahead of its closest chasers, Stellenbosch and Singida Black Stars, keeping the qualification fight in its own hands.
Elsewhere in the group, Stellenbosch lost 0-3 at home to CR Belouizdad. That result widened the gap behind AS Otohô and underlined how quickly momentum can swing in a short group campaign.
Late scare, but the key result is secured
The only real blemish on the night came right at the end. Singida Black Stars pulled one back through Joseph Guede Gnadou in the 90th minute, briefly raising tension in the stands.
But AS Otohô managed the final moments and protected the advantage. In the group-stage context, the three points mattered far more than the late concession, and the result leaves the Congolese side with renewed confidence.
Next match on 8 February could seal qualification
With this outcome, AS Otohô can now focus on the next group match scheduled for 8 February, again at Alphonse-Massamba-Débat Stadium. In the club’s calculations, another win should be enough to secure a place in the knockout phase.
Coach Sékou Seck struck a measured tone after the game, insisting the team must stay composed despite the importance of the victory. “We are very optimistic but we are not going to get carried away with this win. We must stay calm and prepare the next match in good conditions because we have an obligation to go and get this second place that will give us qualification. We have every chance,” Sékou Seck said.