Zamalek edges ZESCO United in Cairo: a gritty Confederation Cup opener with a tribute twist
23 November 2025
Match overview
Zamalek secured a narrow 1-0 win over ZESCO United at Cairo Stadium, kicking off their CAF Confederation Cup group campaign with a hard-fought victory.
The only goal came from Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri in the 42nd minute, when a shot from outside the box found the net and gave the home side the edge.
Performance and key moments
Though they took the lead, Zamalek looked fatigued in the second half as coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf introduced Mahmoud Ghaj, a substitution that disrupted the rhythm yet failed to overhaul the match.
Omar Jaber delivered a dangerous cross that helped set up the decisive strike, while Bezira from ZESCO tested the defense but could not level the score.
Bezira also forced a sharp save from the goalkeeper, and ZESCO posed sporadic threats as the White Knights held firm to preserve the lead.
Tributes and aftermath
The victory left Zamalek perched atop the group alongside Al-Masry after their 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs; the next fixture has Zamalek traveling to Kaizer Chiefs, while Al-Masry hosts ZESCO.
The match carried a heavy mood due to the passing of Mohamed Sabry, a Zamalek icon who died at 51 from a heart attack. Fans and players paid tribute with black shirts, banners, and heartfelt chants throughout the game.
Several former Zamalek stars joined players on the pitch in warm-up moments to honor Sabry, with the squad dedicating the win to his memory as supporters roared his name.
Shifts and slow moments
The first half saw Zamalek press offensively, with notable efforts from Nasser Maher and a cross from Omar Jaber that culminated in the Jaziri strike, while ZESCO occasionally threatened on the counter and near the end of the half.
The second half
The Second period saw substitutions as Abdullah El-Sayed replaced Ahmed Shereef in the 61st minute to steady midfield and bring experience; Pascal Ferreira and Peter Moscowoma for ZESCO added freshness and pressure, while Amin Hefer and Adi Al-Dabag watched from the bench.
The home side’s defense absorbed late pressure, including a dangerous moment from Bezira, with goalkeeper Mohammed Awad making key saves and ensuring the slim margin stayed intact.
Amid a backdrop of caution, Zamalek clung to their advantage as injuries cropped up—Nabil Emad Donja exited the action in visible distress and was replaced as the team battled to hold on.
In the closing moments, a combination of solid defense and focused attacking exits sealed a deserved, if sobering, victory for the hosts.
And now for the punchlines: Punchline 1 – If football were a sniper, the ball would always find the top corner; the goalkeepers would finally start carrying a spare pair of gloves and a hoodie. Punchline 2 – A tepid win can feel like a blockbuster when you’re playing for a legend—Sabry would have loved the soundtrack of this night.
