Zamalek 1-1 Zesco | CAF Champions League | Match Review

Zamalek held a 1-1 draw against Zesco United in the third round of the CAF Champions League (CL) group stage on Saturday.

Mostafa Mohamed had given his side the lead in the 72nd minute when Mohamed Abdel Shafi zipped an excellent cross into the six-yard box for Mostafa Mohamed who planted a powerful header into the net.

Six minutes later, Kola netted the equalizer for the Zambian side after receiving a well-played cross.

The White Knights’ keeper Mohamed Abo Gabal was brought into action for the first time in the 11th minute when his save denied a powerful shot from Zesco’s player.

The Whites came close to take the lead in the 67th minute when Ahmed Sayed Zizo lifted an excellent into Zesco’s penalty area where Youssef Obama fired a header, which went above the post.

The five-time African champions were drawn in Group A, alongside C.D. Primeiro de Agosto, ZESCO United F.C (Zambia), and TP Mazembe (DR Congo).

The White Knights now rank 2nd with four points, while TP Mazembe, who held a 1-1 draw against Primeiro de Agosto on Friday, dominates the top position in the group with seven points.

The whites suffered a 0-3 defeat against TP Mazembe in the opening game of the group stage, before defeating Primeiro de Agosto with two unanswered goals in the second round.

Match Facts

Goals by: Kola 78/ Mostafa Mohamed 72

Yellow cards: Mostafa Mohamed 72 (Zamalek)

Line ups:

Zesco United: Jacob Banda, Simon Silwamba, David Owino Odhiambo, Clement Mwape Mulashi, Mwila, Phiri, Adrian Chama, Kondwani M’tonga, John Chin’gandu (Enock Sabumukama 66), Jesse Jackson Were, Winstone Kalengo, Quadri Aladeokun Kola

Zamalek: Mohamed Abo Gabal, Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, El-Wensh, Mahmoud Alaa, Mohamed Abdel-Ghani, Ferjani Sassi, Tarek Hamed, Youssef Ibrahim, Ahmed Sayed (Islam Gaber 82), Ounajem (Mostafa Mohamed 58), Achraf Bencharki (Mohamed Abdel-Salam 89)