Zamalek Edge Closer to CAF Final After Narrow Away Win Over Belouizdad

Zamalek of Egypt secured a crucial away victory against CR Belouizdad, winning 1-0 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. This result puts the Egyptian giants in a strong position to reach the final.

Zamalek succeeded in opening the scoring early through Juan Bezerra in the 28th minute, after an organized attack that began with a long pass from Ahmed Fatouh, which Nasser Mansi tried to handle with his heel, before it reached Bezerra who shot it powerfully into the net.

In the second half, CR Belouizdad scored the equalizer in the 68th minute through Abdelnour Ihab Belhocine, but the referee cancelled it after consulting VAR due to a handball.

The Algerian team continued to press in the final minutes and almost equalized. However, goalkeeper Mehdi Slimane made a brilliant save in the 75th minute, denying a dangerous shot from a Belouizdad player.

With this result, Zamalek has one foot in the final. They now await the second leg, scheduled for next Friday in Cairo, to determine who will advance.