Late Winner Lifts Masry Over Chiefs in CAF Confederation Cup Opener

Match Report

Al Masry battled Kaizer Chiefs in a tightly contested CAF Confederation Cup Group D clash at the New Suez Stadium in Port Said, and sealed a 2-1 victory to kick off the campaign with three points.

Masry took the lead through Rwandan midfielder Bonheur Mogisha from a penalty in the 59th minute, only for Chiefs to level via Delion Solomons in the 66th.

Mohammed Hashem headed Masry’s winner from a corner in the 87th minute, handing the hosts a precious victory as Group D also features Zamalek and ZESCO United.

The contest also featured a Tunisian duel on the touchline between Masry’s coach Nabil Kouki and Chiefs’ Khalil Ben Youssef, with both sides showing grit until the end.

Several chances fell to both sides in a first half that ended goalless, including a late penalty appeal for a foul on Abdul Rahim Dagoum that the referee dismissed.

In the second half, Masry pressed more aggressively, created chances from set-pieces, and secured the decisive goal late on with Hashem’s header after a corner.

After the final whistle, coach Kouki praised his team’s performance, said Masry would rest for 24 hours before travelling to Zambia to face ZESCO United, and noted Salah Mohsen would miss the next match due to suspension while Mustafa Abu al-Khair’s injury would be assessed.

Post-Match Notes

Punchline 1: Masry’s winner arrived like a well-timed punchline — late, but devastating.

Punchline 2: Chiefs left with more questions than a math test, Masry left with three points and a rising group-stage tempo.