Zamalek overcomes MO Bejaia & reach the group stage | VIDEO
Zamalek had keepers Ahmed El-Shennawi and Mahmoud ‘Gennesh’ to thank for their heroic saves as they secured a 1-1 draw at MO Bejaia in the Champions League last-16 return leg to reach the group stage
Zamalek needed superb displays from two goalkeepers to weather an immense MO Bejaia return-leg pressure and salvage a 1-1 away draw to book a berth in the African Champions League group stage on Tuesday.
The visitors were defending a 2-0 first-leg lead but were pegged back by a determined Bejaia side, who were roared on by a passionate home crowd.
Faouzi Yaya narrowed the aggregate deficit with a 57th-minute free kick to set up a nerve-jangling finale.
Substitute Ahmed Hamoudi settled Zamalek’s nerves in the dying minutes after being set up by natural winger Mahmoud Kahraba, who was guilty of spurning two gilt-edged chances after being fielded as a lone striker by Scottish coach Alex McLeish for the third straight match.
Keeper Ahmed El-Shennawi was forced off the pitch on the stroke of half-time after suffering what appeared to a muscle injury while colliding with an opponent inside the area.
The Egyptian international produced a number of brilliant stops before being substituted and his replacement Mahmoud Gennesh was equally impressive, denying a certain second-half goal with a one-handed save.
Zamalek are bidding to win the prestigious title for the first time since winning the last of their five trophies in 2002.
