Zamalek, Masry qualify, Kaizer Chiefs exit Caf Cup

Egyptian clubs Zamalek and Al Masry reached the Caf Confederation Cup quarterfinals on Saturday at the expense of South African side Kaizer Chiefs.

Zamalek, the second most successful team in Caf club competitions with 13 titles, topped group D with 11 points after a tense 2-1 victory over Chiefs in Ismailia.

Masry, who have never gone beyond the semifinals of an African competition, pipped Chiefs on goal difference for second place by defeating Zesco United of Zambia 2-0 in Suez.

Both Masry (plus two goal difference) and Chiefs (plus one) completed the six rounds with 10 points in the African equivalent of the Uefa Europa League.

After having the better of a cagey, goalless first half, two-time Confederation Cup winners Zamalek took the lead on 53 minutes.

Slack marking allowed Brazilian Juan Bezerra to nod a cross past goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, whose outstanding current form could win him a place in the South Africa 2026 World Cup squad.

Chiefs fell further behind on 72 minutes when they surrendered possession in their half and 40-year-old substitute Abdallah El Said fired past Petersen from close range.

The South African outfit responded swiftly with Congolese Glody Lilepo soaring in a crowded goalmouth to head a corner past another veteran, 38-year-old goalkeeper El Mahdi Soliman.

Chiefs losing meant their only hope of survival was Masry failing to beat Zesco, who had lost four of their previous five group matches.

But second-half goals from Karim Bambo and Salah Mohsen ensured Masry of maximum points and a last-eight place.

USM Alger of Algeria and Olympique Safi of Morocco, both of whom had already qualified from group A, drew 0-0 in Algiers.

The deadlock kept 2023 Confederation Cup winners USM in first place with 14 points, one more than African debutants Safi.

Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria and AS Otoho of Congo-Brazzaville have also secured quarterfinal places.

The remaining two slots will be filled on Sunday from group B. Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Azam of Tanzania are the contenders.