Zamalek Seals Second Confederation Cup Title with 1-0 Victory Over RS Berkane in Cairo Stadium.
Midfielder Ahmed Hamdi secured the win with a precise shot from inside the penalty area in the 23rd minute.
Despite a 2-1 loss in the first leg in Morocco, Zamalek claimed the title on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate draw. This victory earns Zamalek their second Confederation Cup title, mirroring their 2019 triumph over RS Berkane.
Zamalek initiated strong pressure on the visitors right from the game’s outset, with defensive midfielder Nabil Emad and Senegalese winger Ibrahima Ndiaye narrowly missing two early opportunities in the opening minutes.
Maintaining dominance on the field, the White Knights seized upon a back pass from Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed in the 23rd minute, facilitating Ahmed Hamdi’s precise shot and subsequent goal.
Despite RS Berkane’s attempts to retaliate, their offensive efforts fell short of posing a significant threat to Zamalek, who opted to dictate the tempo and contain their opponents.
Towards the end of the first half, Hamdi sustained a knee injury and was substituted by Youssef ‘Obama’ Ibrahim, marking his return to the pitch after an absence of approximately two months.
Obama squandered a prime opportunity to extend the lead just before halftime from a short distance.
Zamalek maintained their early momentum into the second half, nearly finding the net with Seif Jaziri’s header, which narrowly missed its mark.
In the latter half, Zamalek shifted focus to their defensive strategy, allowing their opponents control of the midfield without posing significant threats.
Further midfield woes struck Zamalek as Mohamed Shehata made way for Zeyad Kamal due to a muscle injury.
RS Berkane made a penalty claim in the 62nd minute, but the referee waved off their appeals.
In the final minutes, RS Berkane attempted to break through, but their shots lacked accuracy, easily dealt with by Zamalek’s goalkeeper and defense.
In the closing moments, Hamza El Moussaoui was shown a straight red card for a rough tackle on Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed.
Despite 12 minutes of added time, there were no major changes as Zamalek clinched the title with their slender win.
