CAIRO— Egyptian giants Zamalek SC moved closer to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after battling to a 1–1 draw away to AS Otoho in the first-leg of their quarter-final tie.
The encounter at Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville produced an intense contest in which both sides created several chances, but the result ultimately leaves Zamalek with a slight advantage heading into the decisive return match in Cairo.
With the away draw secured, the Egyptian side will only require a goalless result in the second-leg at Cairo International Stadium on March 22 to progress to the semi-finals of the continental competition.
The hosts made a bright start and opened the scoring after just 13 minutes through Charles Atipo, whose well-struck free-kick from outside the penalty area beat the Zamalek defence and gave the Congolese side an early lead, cafonline.com reported.
Otoho’s goal lifted the home crowd and briefly put Zamalek under pressure as they attempted to settle into the match.
Zamalek had a chance to respond shortly afterwards when forward Oday Dabbagh found himself in a promising position in the 17th minute, but the opportunity went begging.
The hosts continued to threaten and nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later when a dangerous ball was delivered from the right flank, forcing Mohamed Ibrahim to intervene with a crucial defensive clearance inside the six-yard box.
Both teams pressed for a decisive goal in the closing stages.
Juan Bezerra set up Mohamed El Sayed with a well-timed pass inside the penalty area in the 74th minute, but the forward’s effort drifted wide.
Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi then produced an important save late in the match after a dangerous cross from Atipo nearly caught him out.
In stoppage time, Otoho came close again when Grace unleashed a powerful strike that narrowly missed the right post.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought draw that leaves the tie finely balanced, though Zamalek will feel confident heading into the second leg on home soil with the advantage of an away goal.
