Egypt’s Zamalek edged Algeria’s Belouizdad in the first leg of the Confederation Cup semi-final
Zamalek are on the verge of reaching the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after snatching a 1-0 victory over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algeria on Friday night.
The precious away goal means a draw of any score in the return leg would be enough for Zamalek to go to the finals.
Juan Bezerra scored the only goal in Algiers, giving the White Knights a narrow advantage heading into the second leg semi-final.
The second leg will take place in Cairo International Stadium on Friday 17 April.
Zamalek had to earn their victory the hard way. In the 21st minute Abderrahmane Meziane of Belouizdad centred the ball from a cross which beat everyone, bounced once, then hit the left post with Al-Mahdi Suleiman beaten.
The one and only goal was scored in the 27th minute when Ahmed Fattouh threaded the ball with a back pass that split two defenders to Bezerra who in turn threaded the ball past goalkeeper Farid Chaâl in between his legs.
The diminutive Bezerra, 23, has been one of Zamalek’s standout performers since he signed with the club in August 2025.
In the first minute of the second half, a fine header by Youcef Laouafi from a direct kick looked like a sure goal for the hosts but was out by inches.
Once again, Zamalek should have considered themselves lucky seven minutes before the hour mark when Younes Ouassa’s header struck the crossbar, as Suleiman came off his line in messy fashion.
Belouizdad thought they had found the equaliser in the 67th minute through Abdennour Belhocini. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the referee overturned the goal because of a handball.
Zamalek were tested again in the 75th minute when Suleiman made a beautiful reflex save from point blank range on Meziane.
Before Zamalek get carried away, their coach brought them back to earth, saying the team had achieved nothing so far. “We just ended the first half while the second and most important is waiting for us in Egypt. We hope that we will be lucky and reach the final,” Motamed Gamal said.
Gamal, 52, insisted that the return game in Cairo won’t be easy. “The return match will be difficult as the opponent plays modern football. The result of Friday’s match is a decisive one, and Zamalek haven’t qualified yet.”
The victory marked Zamalek’s first-ever win over CR Belouizdad and only their second triumph on Algerian soil in continental competition.
They are also the only Egyptian side remaining in African competitions following the elimination of Masri from the Confederation Cup and both Pyramids FC and Ahly from the CAF Champions League.
Zamalek have twice won the Confederation Cup, the second most important African football club championship behind the Champions League. They won in the 2018/19 season and the 2023/24 season, both times defeating RS Berkane of Morocco in the final.
CR Belouizdad have never won the Confederation Cup.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 April, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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