Zamalek beat RS Berkane to clinch second CAF Confederation Cup title
Zamalek secured their second Confederation Cup title by defeating Moroccan side RS Berkane 1-0 in the second leg of the final at Cairo Stadium on Sunday.
Midfielder Ahmed Hamdi scored the decisive goal in the 23rd minute with a well-placed shot from inside the area.
The White Knights, who lost the first leg 2-1 in Morocco, claimed the title on the away goal rule following a 2-2 aggregate draw.
This victory marks Zamalek’s second Confederation Cup title, their previous win also against RS Berkane in 2019.
Zamalek applied significant pressure from the start, with Nabil Emad and Ibrahima Ndiaye missing early chances. Maintaining control, Ahmed Hamdi scored following a back pass from Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed.
RS Berkane’s attempts to respond were ineffective, as Zamalek controlled the tempo and contained the visitors.
Hamdi was substituted by Youssef ‘Obama’ Ibrahim after sustaining a knee injury near the end of the first half. Obama missed a golden opportunity to double the lead just before halftime.
In the second half, Zamalek continued their strong performance, with Seif Jaziri narrowly missing a header.
Zamalek’s defensive efforts allowed RS Berkane to control the midfield without creating significant threats. Mohamed Shehata was replaced by Zeyad Kamal due to a muscle injury.
RS Berkane’s penalty claim in the 62nd minute was dismissed by the referee. Despite late attempts, their efforts were easily handled by Zamalek’s defense and goalkeeper.
Hamza El Moussaoui received a direct red card for a harsh tackle on Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed in the dying moments.
The 12 minutes of stoppage time saw no significant developments, securing Zamalek’s narrow victory and the title.
