Zamalek secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Zesco United of Zambia in their opening Group Stage match of the CAF Confederation Cup. The match, played at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday evening, saw a single goal decide the contest.
Jaziri's Magic Moment
The decisive goal came in the 43rd minute courtesy of Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri. He skillfully navigated through the Zesco defense before unleashing a left-footed shot that nestled into the far right corner of the net. This crucial goal earned Zamalek a vital three points to kick off their continental campaign.
Mahmoud Jihad's Return
The match also marked the return of Mahmoud Jihad after a lengthy absence of 224 days. His last appearance was against Haras El Hodoud in the league on April 13, 2025. Jihad came on as a substitute for the injured Nabil Emad Dunga in the 68th minute, but his comeback was slightly marred as he received a yellow card before being substituted himself in the 88th minute.
- Zamalek: 3 points (Top of the Group)
- Al Masry: 3 points (Second Place)
- Zesco: 0 points (Third Place)
- Kaizer Chiefs: 0 points (Fourth Place)
Zamalek will be hoping to build on this victory as they navigate the group stages of the competition. The team's fans are optimistic about their chances of making a significant impact in this year's CAF Confederation Cup.