Zamalek outclass Caps United in group stage opener

Goals from Bassem Morsy and Stanley Ohawuchi gave Zamalek a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe’s Caps United in their CAF Champions League Group B opener at Borg El-Arab Stadium on Friday.

Zamalek XI: El-Shenawy; Ibrahim, Gabr, El-Wensh, Nassef; Youssef, Hamed; Shikabala, Fathi, Refaat; Morsy.

CAPS United XI: Sibanda; Zvirekwi, Jangano, Dauda, Musarurwa; Chafa, Muchenje, Pfumbidzai, Bamusi; Chitiyo, Amidu.

The Egyptian giants started the game with high tempo creating more than three goal-scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes, as the hosts looked keen to score an early goal against the Zimbabwean side but lacked the final touch.

Only two minutes into the game, Ali Gabr’s header was cleared off the line. Five minutes later, Tarek Hamed intercepted the ball off CAPS’ buildup pass and went through on goal to miss a one-on-one.

Morsy was close to opening the scoring for the White Knights after 35 minutes but his deflected shot was saved by the guests’ keeper Edmore Sibanda.

Zamalek continued to press Caps United, which led the Zimbabwean side to commit many mistakes but the Cairo giants failed to exploit these chances.

After a goalless first half, Morsy gave Zamalek the lead 10 minutes after the break; a beautiful cross from Shikabala found the 25-year-old striker who finished with an easy header.

Zamalek played with a defensive mentality and were satisfied with playing on the counter-attack after scoring their first goal.

The guests’ most dangerous goal-scoring chance came off a free-kick by keeper Sibanda in the 69th minutes, however, it was saved by Zamalek keeper Ahmed El-Shennawy.

With seven minutes to go, Stanley Ohawuchi doubled his side’s lead after scoring another header from a corner assisted by Maarouf Youssef to seal the victory.

Zamalek are now second in Group B behind USM Alger on goal difference as the Algerian side claimed a 3-0 home victory over Ahli Tripoli on Friday.

Zamalek will play next against Wadi Degla in the Egyptian Premier League on May 18, while their next CAF Champions League match is away against Al Ahli Tripoli on May 23.

Egypt’s other representative Al Ahly will host Zanaco FC in their Group D opener on Saturday.