Zamalek hold on against AS Otohô to qualify for CAF Confederation Cup semifinals

Zamalek are the only club flying the flag of Egypt in CAF interclub competitions after overcoming Republic of Congo’s AS Otohô by a 2-1 score on Sunday to advance to the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals.

After the elimination of Cairo rivals Al Ahly and Pyramids FC from the CAF Champions League on Saturday, White Knights supporters flocked en masse to Cairo International Stadium to inspire a strong second leg performance that ended in a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Zamalek assert dominance after tough first leg

The Egyptian giants did well in Brazzaville to weather the storm in the first leg and earn a 1-1 result despite playing in the early afternoon during Ramadan. The hosts got right to work in establishing their dominance on Sunday and it was Egypt national team defender Hossam Abdelmaguid who provided the opening goal when he was unmarked to head in Abdallah El Said’s 17th minute corner kick.

It took less than ten minutes for Zamalek to deliver a fatal blow to any hopes the Congolese visitors had. Seven minutes after the opener, a brilliant team movement down the left wing ended with El Said’s shot saved by Otohô goalkeeper Aboubacar Doumbia. The Malian custodian’s save, however, went right to Oday Dabbagh who was left with an easy finish past Doumbia’s desperate dive.

Late match drama

Otohô produced their first chance close to the hour mark but goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi reacted well to save. Needing two goals to overturn the deficit, the objective appeared impossible but late drama arrived when halftime substitute Grace Mavoungou unleashed a spectacular strike from distance in the 83rd minute.

To add to the suspense, in the ensuing celebration and fracas it was Sobhi who was sent off after elbowing an opposition player while refusing to release the ball. Without any remaining substitutions, the hosts had to put an outfield player in goal for the final minutes but forward Seifeddine Jaziri did not face any challenges after donning the goalkeeper gloves.

2-1 the final score from Cairo. 🔚#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/SLDNsBbgLf

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 22, 2026

Considered one of the favorites to win the competition, the 2023-24 Confederation Cup champions advance to the semifinals for an intriguing duel with Algeria’s CR Belouizdad. CRB eliminated the other Egyptian club remaining in the competition, Al Masry, on away goals following Saturday’s 0-0 second leg draw in Algiers.