Right wing-back Ahmed Samir gave Egypt's Zamalek a 1-0 victory over Russia's Zenit St Petersburg in a friendly game on Saturday, maintaining their recent fine displays that included a narrow 3-2 loss to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk.

Zenit's line-up included the likes of Brazilian striker Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel but they could not overcome a lively Zamalek side.

Samir scored the only goal of the game on 31 minutes when he nipped between two defenders to slot home from close range following a low cross from in-form right-back Omar Gaber.

Zamalek were on the verge of holding Shakhtar, who will face Germany's Borussia Dortmund in the European Champions League round of 16, to a draw on Wednesday but conceded a goal in stoppage time to lose 3-2 after putting on a brave display.

Zenit finished third in their group in the Champions League this season. They will play in the Europa League, the continent's secondary competition.

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