Zamalek Forward Oday Dabbagh celebrates with his his teammate Jaziri after scoring a goal during the match against Otoho d'Oyo, Photo courtesy of Zamalek.
Charles Atipo gave the hosts an early lead, scoring just 13 minutes into the match.
However, Zamalek responded with an equalizer from Palestinian winger Oday Dabbagh in the 31st minute.
Otoho d'Oyo applied early pressure, earning a free kick just outside the box.
Atipo stepped up and delivered a brilliant strike past Zamalek’s goalkeeper and defense, giving his side the advantage.
Zamalek, undeterred by the early setback and the hostile atmosphere at Brazzaville’s Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium, responded with a well-executed equalizer.
Dabbagh received a precise assist from Ahmed Rabie and blasted a powerful right-footed shot into the net to level the score.
Zamalek head coach Motamed Gamal made tactical changes in the second half, bringing on Bezerra for Seif Jaziri and Nasser Mansy for Dabbagh in a bid to intensify pressure on Otoho’s defense.
The second leg will take place at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, 22 March.
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