Zamalek's 6-Goal Showcase: African Cup of Nations Debut Sets the Tone
18 October 2025
Match Overview
In a dominant display at Cairo International Stadium, Zamalek SC of Egypt hammered Dikidaha Somali 6-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg. The lopsided scoreline leaves the White Knights with a strong bulletproof position heading into the second leg, which, by mutual agreement, will also be played in Cairo.
From the opening whistle, Zamalek dictated terms, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose. The home side looked sharp in wide areas and in central pockets, combining quick passing with accurate crosses to keep the Somali defense under constant pressure.
The scoring sequence began in the 23rd minute when Ahmed Shreef connected with a cross and steered the ball into the net, giving Zamalek the early lead and confidence to press on.
The second quarter of the first half witnessed coordinated attacking moves, with Brazilian ace Joao Bezera flashing his finishing touch. He struck twice—first in the 35th minute and again in the 77th—capping a superb performance on the day. Amr Nasser added a third in the 36th minute, and the Tunisian forward Sief Eddine El-Jaziri extended the margin to four in the 64th.
As the half drew to a close, the siege continued, culminating in Sief Jafar’s late strike in the 83rd minute to seal the rout and underscore Zamalek’s intent to advance from the tie with authority.
The halftime break did little to slow the hosts, who maintained control after the restart, rotating a few players to keep energy levels high while Dikidaha searched for a spark that never materialized.
Second Half
After the interval, Zamalek continued to ride the momentum, making tactical substitutions to preserve freshness while keeping the tempo high. The defence remained compact, and the attacking units remained inventive, ensuring Dikidaha rarely threatened the goal. A handful of near-misses reminded spectators of the difference in class, but the final whistle confirmed a convincing six-goal win for the Egyptian side.
Context and Other CAF Results
Beyond Zamalek’s emphatic victory, the CAF Confederation Cup schedule on the same day featured a mix of results across the continent, highlighting the competition’s unpredictability and drama as clubs jockey for a place in the group stages.
With the second leg coming up in Cairo, Zamalek will attempt to finish the job on home soil, while Dikidaha must conjure a Herculean response to overturn the deficit on the road. The tie remains open, with the balance tipping in favor of the Egyptian giants after a landmark performance.
Overall, the day’s fixtures underscored why African club football remains a thrilling blend of tactical prowess, searing pace, and surprising twists that keep fans talking long after the final whistle.
