Zamalek avoided the fate of rivals Ahly after beating Zambia's Nkana FC 5-0 in the second leg of the African Champions League round of 16 on Sunday.

Holding Nkana to a goalless draw in the first leg in Zambia, the Whites have reached the final eight after winning 5-0 on aggregate to become Egypt's only representative at the prestigious tournament.

Ahly, Zamalek's arch-rivals and the winners of the past two Champions League editions, were eliminated Saturday after losing 3-2 at home to Libya's Ahly Benghazi with a 4-2 aggregate defeat.

Under rookie coach Mido, Zamalek has managed to overcome their recent slip-ups in the Egyptian Premier League to continue their campaign towards their first successful continental title since 2002.

Zamalek had the upper hand through the first 15 minutes, attacking the visitors many times, despite being without their fans' support as the match was played behind closed doors due to security concerns.

Striker Mohamed Ibrahim and winger Hazem Emam had two successive chances to give their team an early lead but weren't lucky enough to fulfil the mission.

But it was a day for defensive midfielder Ahmed Tawfik, who received a perfect through pass from teammate Momen Zakariato to score his first goal with Zamalek, giving the Whites a deserved lead after 20 minutes.

Two minutes later, Zamalek defender Hamada Tolba was replaced with Omar Gaber due to injury.

The Cairo giants continued their attacks in a bid to get more relief ahead of the break.

Forward Momen Zakariya was also on target after crossing a curling free-kick inside the box on minute 34 to grant Zamalek a third goal.

The visitors intensified their efforts to recover in the remaining minutes before halftime, but in vain.

More goals for Zamalek

Putting pressure on their opponents from the early start of the second half, Gaber extended the Cairo giants lead with a fourth goal in the 47th minute after receiving a perfect pass from Ibrahim.

An ideal through pass from prolific attacker Ibrahim gifted Emam a golden chance to score the fourth goal on minute 59.

Ibrahim continued his superb performance, delivering another nice pass to striker Ahmed Gafaar, who fired the ball just from outside the area to score the side's fifth of the match ten minutes later.

Until the referee's final whistle, Nkana had rare chances, searching for consolation but without a real threat, while the hosts played calmly, already celebrating their continental achievement.

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