The first games of the group stage of the 2024-2025 African Champions League and Confederation Cup were all won by Egypt’s four participants.

Ahly encountered few problems in their 4-2 win over Stade d’Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire in the Champions League. In the same tournament, Pyramids FC thrashed Sagrada Esperança of Angola 5-1.

In the same stage in the second-tier Confederation Cup, Zamalek enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win over Black Bulls of Mozambique while Masri also came out 2-0 winners over Enyimba of Nigeria.

Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim, better known as Kahraba, scored twice as Ahly, the defending champions and launching their quest for a third consecutive Champions League title, beat Stade d’Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire 4-2 in the inaugural match of the Champions League group stage on 26 November in Cairo.

The 30-year-old striker, who had been relegated to the bench over the past few months, sprung to life 14 minutes into the game with a volley from inside the box.

Midfielder Magdi Afsha doubled the lead in the 21st minute, unleashing a low shot from outside the box.

Hussein Al-Shahat joined the party in the 27th minute, making it 3-0.

Kahraba then doubled his tally four minutes into the second half with another clinical finish from close range.

Stade d’Abidjan managed to break Ahly’s clean sheet streak with striker Kassoum Kone capitalising on a defensive lapse to pull one back 15 minutes before halftime.

Veteran forward Roger Assale added another for the visitors 10 minutes later from inside the box.

Before the game Ahly had not conceded a goal in their previous 12 matches.

Ahly moved to the top of Group C, tied on three points with South Africa’s Orlando Pirates but with a better goal average. Algeria’s Belouizdad and Stade d’Abidjan are scoreless.

Ahly’s next challenge will be against Orlando Pirates in an away match on 7 December, followed by their third-round clash against Belouizdad six days later.

The win was overshadowed by a LE1 million fine imposed by Ahly on midfielder Emam Ashour who apparently made his feelings known in a dressing room bust-up after being left on the bench during the match against Stade d’Abidjan.

The incident occurred following a heated argument between Ashour and team captain Mohamed Al-Shinnawi. Although other teammates, along with football director Mohamed Ramadan, attempted to diffuse the situation, tension remained high.

Ashour later apologised to his teammates on social media “for any mistakes or for causing any frustration, and I accept my punishment, as it’s only fair.

“I am proud to be a part of Ahly, and I am grateful for the unwavering support of our fans. They are the best in the world, and with God’s will, my dreams will come true at Ahly.”

Ashour, 26, was also handed a one-week suspension from training.

It was not the first time Ashour has landed in hot water. He was recently accused of assaulting a security guard at a shopping mall in Sheikh Zayed City.

He initially received a six-month prison sentence but later reached an out of court settlement with the guard.

Also in the Champions League, Egypt’s Pyramids FC lit up the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo with a scintillating 5-1 dismantling of Angola’s Sagrada Esperança in Group D.

Ibrahim Adel was the star, contributing two goals, including a stunning opener in the 17th minute.

Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Hamdi, and Ahmed Atef also found the net, while Sagrada’s consolation came late via Cachí.

The Egyptian side was competing in the prestigious continental tournament for the second time.

Pyramids and Tunisia’s Esperance are tied at the top with three points apiece. Sagrada and Mali’s Djoliba have no points.  

Pyramids will next face Djoliba on 8 December while Sagrada will host Esperance on 6 December.

In the first group games of the Confederation Cup, defending champions Zamalek of Egypt dealt relative newcomers Black Bulls of Mozambique a 2-0 defeat in Cairo on Wednesday last week.

Playing in his first game for the team, midfielder Ahmed Abdel-Rehim opened the scoring just before the break, while defensive midfielder Nabil Emad, or Dunga, doubled the lead six minutes into the second half.

The win allowed Zamalek to join fellow country club Masri on the top of Group D with three points each. Black Bulls and Enyimba of Nigeria are scoreless.

Masri midfielder Mahmoud Hamada scored twice, helping his side claim a 2-0 win over Enyimba at Suez Stadium.

Zamalek will visit Enyimba in Nigeria in the next game on 7 December while Masri will take on Black Bulls away from home on the same day.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 5 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly