Zamalek beat Esperance AGAIN this time in CAF CL 3-1 | VIDEO

In a highly dramatic matchup, Zamalek was able to achieve a hard-fought (3-1) victory over Tunisia’s Esperance in the CAF champions league quarter-final matchup.

The encounter is reminiscent of their triumphant 3-1 victory in the CAF super cup against the Tunisian champions.

In the high stakes match at the Cairo Stadium, Raouf Ben Gheith opened the scoring in the 27th minute after a beautiful team effort.

Ounajem equalized the scoring later on after a beautiful shot outside the box in the 41st minute.

Then Ben Charki further cemented Zamalek’s lead in the 74th minute after making use of a cross inside the box.

Lastly, Mahmoud Alaa finished Zamalek’s beautiful night in a goal in the 94th minute further cementing the Zamalek victory.

“Our players were heroes after recovering from going one goal down,” the Frenchman told beIN Sports in a pitch-side interview.

“I think the goal we conceded made us change our game plan and be bolder.”

Carteron also praised the players for not being distracted by controversial off-the-field matters, as chairman Mortada Mansour ordered the team to skip an Egyptian Premier League game against arch-rivals Ahly on Monday in protest at the Egyptian Football Association’s refusal to postpone the match.

“It was a very difficult week for us, from our [canceled] match against Ahly until today’s game,” said the 49-year-old coach.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGl3YLs9kZs

Carteron is taking nothing for granted despite the first-leg advantage, saying Zamalek still need to give their all in the second leg in Rades next Friday.

“I know that Esperance are a big team. They are the African champions for two consecutive years, that’s why we need to work hard and play a big game there,” he explained

“Starting from tomorrow, we will start our preparations for the second leg game, because it will be a big and exceptional match.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBDbwIPUVWo