Egypt's Zamalek qualified for the semifinals of the African Confederation Cup with a tough victory over Congo's Otoho Ouyo, concluding the match held on Sunday with a 2-1 win for the home side. This result guarantees Zamalek's advancement with an aggregate score of 3-2 from the two matches, setting them up for a match against Algeria's CR Belouizdad in the next round.
The match started off excitingly, with defender Hossam Abdel-Majid scoring the opening goal for Zamalek early in the 17th minute with a precise header following a corner taken by Abdullah El-Said. Zamalek doubled their lead shortly after, as Palestinian striker Addi Dabbagh netted the second goal in the 23rd minute with a well-placed follow-up shot after El-Said's attempt was saved by the goalkeeper.
There were thrilling moments during the first half, where Zamalek was denied a third goal in the 39th minute by the post and crossbar after consecutive shots from Mahmoud Benatij and Dabbagh. Then came a controversial decision from the referee in the 76th minute, disallowing a third goal for Zamalek scored by Adam Kaid for offside.
However, Otoho Ouyo managed to surprise Zamalek by scoring a consolation goal in the 84th minute through Grass Mafongo, who struck a powerful shot from outside the box that found the net behind goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi. Following the goal, tensions escalated as a scuffle broke out between the goalkeeper and an Otoho player, prompting a VAR intervention that resulted in the red card for Sobhi in the 88th minute.
Despite exhausting all substitutions, Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri stepped in as a goalkeeper and saved two dangerous opportunities, aiding Zamalek in securing the crucial win.
With this historic victory, Zamalek takes a significant step towards their ultimate goal of claiming the African title, bolstered by the impressive performance led by the coach and technical staff. Zamalek must now prepare earnestly for their semifinal clash against CR Belouizdad.
On the other hand, Morocco's Nahdet Berkane advanced to the semifinals of the African Champions League after a 1-0 victory over Sudan's Al-Hilal, reflecting the strength of Moroccan teams in African competitions.
This turn of events coincided with sports critics engaging with fans, many of whom expressed their views on the strength and preparation of Moroccan clubs, while expectations from the fans regarding the African Champions League competition were high.