CAF Confederation Cup: ZESCO United edge Zamalek to end winless run

ZESCO United ended their four-game winless Group D with a 1-0 home victory over Zamalek SC in Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) fixture played in Zambia.

🎞️ Match Highlights:
Hiver’s goal from the spot secure ZESCO United FC’s first 3 points of the season vs Zamalek SC. 👏#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/Vw8IbfIgGS

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 8, 2026

Chadian striker Amine Hiver scored the only goal of the game in the second half at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola for the Zambians to continue their goodbyes from the group stage with dignity. The result deposed Zamalek from top to second place of the pool with Kaizer Chiefs going top.

The visitors from Cairo visibly struggled to string passes together on a heavy playing surface while the hosts seemed more suited to the conditions.

Unsurprisingly, it was United who had the real scoring opening when striker Emmanuel Manda sneaked past the defence but could not squeeze a shot past sprawling Zamalek goalkeeper.

The visitors soon realised that bypassing the hosts’ midfield and using width would be the convenient policy. One of such moves nearly paid dividends when Mohamed Ismail received a square ball outside the box only to fire into the sky.

The hosts finished the opening half strongly with towering midfielder Luka Mutoshi, unmarked in the box, heading over the bar after meeting a delightful delivery from winger Abrahama Siamkombo.

In the second half, the hosts finally scored their first goal of the group-stage campaign through Hiver from the penalty spot in the 61st minute. A Zamalek defender had tackled Emmanuel Manda harshly in the box while trying to prevent the forward from turning to shoot on target.

The goal came a minute after Abraham Siamkombo had an effort ruled out for offside. The Zambians held their nerves to ensure the maximum points but not before the visitors threatened by hitting the bar in added time.

The powermen faced Zamalek aware that they were out of the running for a quarterfinal place even if they win their remaining two games, including against Al Masry. United coach Mathews Ndlovu went into the match under enormous pressure, losing in four straight games in which they scored twice only and conceded six goals.

The ABSA Cup kings had suffered back-to-back losses by 1-0 margins to Chiefs in the past two weeks. Moatamed Gamal’s men beat the Zambians 1-0 in the first leg played at Cairo International Stadium.

With two wins, two draws and a loss, the Egyptian giants now sit second on the log table on eight points from five games. Chiefs are two points clear at the top after defeating Al Masry 2-1 in Polokwane, South Africa, also on Sunday.

ZESCO will conclude the group’s assignment against Al Masry while Zamalek finish up at home against Chiefs.