What You Need to Know
Zamalek SC faced a disappointing draw against Kaizer Chiefs, conceding a late equalizer, while Belouizdad suffered a heavy defeat to Autoho Doyo. Zamalek remains second in their group, while Belouizdad struggles in third place. Key players were absent for Zamalek due to injuries, impacting their performance.
Africa. Zamalek SC from Egypt squandered a victory that seemed within reach against their South African hosts, Kaizer Chiefs. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after Zamalek led until stoppage time, when the home team equalized with an own goal due to a mistake by the goalkeeper in the final moments. This match was part of the second round of group stage matches in the African Cup of Confederation.
With this result, Zamalek raised their points total to 4, placing them second in the group behind fellow Egyptian team, Port Said, which leads with 6 points. Kaizer Chiefs sit third with just 1 point, while Zesco United is at the bottom without any points.
Zamalek missed key players such as Nabil Emad “Dunga,” Abdullah El-Said, and Ahmed Rabea due to injuries.
Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri became Zamalek’s all-time leading foreign goal scorer after opening the scoring in the third minute, following up on a rebound from the South African goalkeeper after a shot from Mohamed Ismail. Jaziri’s tally now stands at 48 goals, surpassing Yemeni player Ali Mohsen, who played for Zamalek from 1959 to 1964, in the club’s list of top foreign scorers.
Belouizdad’s Heavy Defeat
Meanwhile, Belouizdad faced a significant setback, losing 1-4 to Autoho Doyo in Brazzaville in the second group. The Algerian team, under German coach Sid Ramovic, delivered a poor performance, particularly in the first half, conceding three quick goals due to severe defensive errors. The goals were scored by Jordi Ndekit (12), Bandiyogo Diallo (26), and Gassim Dufan (29).
Rafili Dion extended the home team’s lead in the 65th minute, despite Belouizdad showing some improvement. Abdel Rahman Meziane managed to reduce the deficit with a penalty in the 65th minute. Belouizdad’s points remain at 3, placing them third on goal difference behind Autoho Doyo and South African team Stellenbosch, while Tanzanian team Singida sits at the bottom without any points.
Zamalek SC, one of Egypt’s most successful football clubs, has a rich history in African competitions, often competing for top honors. The African Cup has seen various teams rise and fall, with clubs like Zamalek and Belouizdad representing their nations on the continental stage. The competition is known for its intense matches and the emergence of new talents.
Belouizdad, a prominent Algerian club, has also made significant strides in African football, showcasing local talent and competing against established teams. Their recent performances reflect the challenges faced by clubs in maintaining consistency in such a competitive environment, especially against formidable opponents.
