Zamalek took a giant step toward the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a commanding 6-0 victory over Somali side Dekedaha SC in the first leg of the Round of 32, held at Cairo International Stadium.
The Egyptian giants were in full control from the start, with Ahmed Sherif breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute, finishing off a cross from Ahmed Fattouh. The lead was soon doubled when Juan Bezerra slotted home in the 34th minute after an assist from Ahmed Hamdy.
Just two minutes later, Amr Nasser made it 3–0, pouncing on a rebound after the Dekedaha goalkeeper initially denied a shot. The dominance continued in the second half as substitute Seifeddine Jaziri added the fourth in the 65th minute, set up brilliantly by Bezerra, who dazzled with his footwork.
The in-form Bezerra grabbed his second of the night and Zamalek’s fifth in the 77th minute, once again assisted by Hamdy, before Seif Farouk Gaafar came off the bench to complete the rout with a finish in the 83rd minute, following another assist from Bezerra.
The emphatic win leaves Zamalek with one foot firmly in the group stage, as they look to reclaim the title they have lifted twice before, most recently in the 2023–24 edition.
The return leg between Dekedaha and Zamalek is scheduled for Friday, October 24, with the match to be held at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo at 3:00 PM GMT.
CAF had previously approved Zamalek’s request to host both legs in Egypt, following mutual agreement between the two clubs. The change was made as Dekedaha opted not to play the home fixture in Somalia.
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