Zamalek finished as Group D leaders after defeating South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, while Masry joined them in the next round by dispatching Zambia’s ZESCO United 2-0 at the New Suez Stadium.
White Knights survive Kaizer Chiefs
Zamalek knew that only a win would guarantee them the top spot against a resilient Kaizer Chiefs side.
After a scoreless first half that saw Oday Dabbagh go close, the White Knights finally found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute.
Nasser Mansy provided a sublime cross from the right wing to find Brazilian star Juan Alvina, who rose highest to power a header past Brandon Petersen.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute when substitute Abdallah El-Said clinically slotted home from the edge of the area.
Kaizer Chiefs, who needed at least a draw to advance, sparked a late rally when Makabi Lilepo headed in from a corner in the 75th minute.
Despite a frantic final ten minutes, Zamalek remained composed to finish the group with 11 points.
Masry get the job done
The Port-Said side Masry ensured there would be no slip-ups against a ZESCO United side that have struggled throughout the campaign, though they controlled the tempo of the game.
The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute when Karim Bambo converted after a clever delivery from Ahmed Ayman Mansour.
Any hopes of a Zambian comeback were extinguished in the 81st minute when Salah Mohsen turned in Mounder Temine’s cross to make it 2-0.
Masry finished the group stage in second place with 10 points, marking a successful continental weekend for Egyptian football.
Both teams will now await the quarter-final draw, where they will face the top two teams from the remaining groups.
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