CAF Confederation Cup Review: Cotonsport waiting after Leopards mauling

Leopards de Dolisie demolished Cotonsport 4-0 to leave the Cameroonian side waiting on progression to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals.

A point would have seen Cotonsport reach the final four with a game to spare, but they may now need a positive result against Real Bamako on matchday six.

If Bamako are unable to beat ASEC on Sunday, Cotonsport will progress, though the manner of Saturday’s defeat – their first in 17 matches – will have troubled coach Didier Gomes da Rosa.

Kader Bidimbou was Leopards’ hero as his hat-trick helped the Congolese side cement second place in Group A.

A goalless first half told the story of a tense affair, but Bidimbou lifted the pressure nine minutes after the break as he opened the scoring.

Cotonsport captain Nicaise Zimbori-Auzingoni saw his penalty just before the hour saved by visiting goalkeeper Lawrence Ngome, who also kept out Daouda Kamilou’s follow-up.

The spurned spot-kick inspired the visitors and they doubled their lead through Cesaire Gandze with 20 minutes to play.

Bidimbou then struck twice in eight minutes to complete a hat-trick and secure a dominant win for Leopards.

Egyptian champions Al Ahly also missed the chance to book a semi-final spot as they went down 1-0 away to Nkana.

Billy Mwanza’s penalty early in the second half was enough to lift the Zambians into second place in Group B after Etoile Sahel went down 1-0 at home to Ivorian side Sewe Sport.