CAIRO — Zamalek and Al-Masry battled to a 0–0 stalemate in an all-Egyptian showdown at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium, during the third round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
The result saw both sides collect a point, with Al-Masry remaining top of Group D on seven points, while Zamalek sits second with five points. Kaiser occupies third place with four points, as ZESCO United remain bottom without a point.
The two teams are set to renew their rivalry next Sunday in the fourth round of the group stage.
Elsewhere, former champions Wydad AC of Morocco made it three successive wins in Group B when they emerged as 1-0 winners over DR Congolese outfit Maniema Union with Mohamed Moufid grabbing the Moroccan powerhouse’s winning goal in the 81st minute at the Stade Mohammed V.
At the Laurent Pokou Stadium, Moroccan Olympic Safi moved up to second place in the Group A standings after overcoming Ivorian club San Pedro 2-1 thanks to Sofian El-Moudane’s winning goal and the Moroccan side are three points behind leaders, USM Alger of Algeria.
Azam 2–1 Nairobi
Azam secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Nairobi United in an entertaining encounter that was decided by a dramatic own goal late in the second half.
Nairobi United made a bright start and took the lead in the 13th minute through Dancan Omala, who struck from outside the box after a fast break assisted by Michael Karamor.
Azam responded quickly, equalising in the 17th minute when Jephté Kitambala finished calmly from the centre of the box following a pass from Yoro Diaby.
The match remained tightly contested with both sides creating chances. Azam came close on several occasions through Kitambala and Iddi Selemani, while Nairobi United threatened on the counter. Goalkeepers Zuberi Foba and Ernest Mohammed were kept busy with important saves.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute. After Himid Mao hit the post, the rebound deflected off Nairobi United goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed and into the net for an own goal, giving Azam a 2–1 lead.
United pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, winning free kicks and corners, but Azam defended well and saw out the six minutes of added time. A late save by Ernest Mohammed denied Iddi Selemani from increasing the margin, while Azam managed the game smartly to protect their advantage.
Zesco 0–1 Kaizer
Kaizer Chiefs claimed a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, thanks to an early goal from Pule Mmodi that proved decisive.
The South African side struck in just the 2nd minute when Pule Mmodi reacted quickest inside the box to convert from close range following a corner, giving Chiefs a dream start. Moments earlier, Flávio Silva had hit the post from another corner, signaling Chiefs’ early dominance.
United responded by pushing forward and creating several chances, particularly through Amine Hiver, Leonard Mulenga and Emmanuel Manda, but they were repeatedly denied by strong defending and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
The second half saw ZESCO increase the pressure, winning multiple free kicks and corners as they searched for an equaliser.
Despite several stoppages due to injuries, Chiefs held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.
