ZESCO United vs AL Masry: AL Masry Clinches Victory with a 3-2 Win in CAF Confederation Cup Showdown on 2025-11-28

In a thrilling encounter in Match Round 2 of the CAF Confederation Cup, AL Masry claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory against ZESCO United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The visitors got off to a flying start as Mohamed El Sayed Hashem opened the scoring just 4 minutes into the match, putting AL Masry ahead 1-0. Hashem continued his impressive form, doubling his tally in the same minute to extend the lead to 2-0.

However, ZESCO United responded almost immediately, with Freddy Kouablan finding the back of the net just a minute later to bring the scoreline to 1-2.

AL Masry showed their quality once again in the 24th minute, as Mounder Temine restored their two-goal advantage with a well-taken goal, making it 1-2 in favor of the Egyptian side.

As the match progressed, AL Masry continued to press forward and were rewarded in the 68th minute when Abderrahim Deghmoum found the back of the net to make it 1-3, putting the visitors in a commanding position.

ZESCO United, however, refused to go down without a fight and pulled a goal back in the 87th minute through Peter Musukuma, setting up a nervy final few minutes with the scoreline at 2-3.

Despite a late surge from the home side, AL Masry held on to secure a crucial victory on the road, maintaining their perfect start to the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

The result sees AL Masry top Group B with 6 points from 2 matches, while ZESCO United will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture after suffering their first defeat in the competition.

Overall, it was a pulsating encounter filled with goals and drama, showcasing the competitive nature of African club football in the CAF Confederation Cup.

• ZESCO United will play with Kaizer Chiefs. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.
• AL Masry will play with Zamalek SC. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.

ZESCO United

• Philip Sakauta (6)
• Benedict Chepeshi (6.2)
• Fils Vitalis Gantar (6.6)
• Kabaso Chongo (7.2)
• Shemmy Mayembe (6.2)
• Lindo Thembinkosi Mkhonta (6.6)
• Leonard Mulenga (6.3)
• Peter Musukuma (7.7)
• David Simukonda (6.9)
• Freddy Kouablan (7.3)
• Abraham Siankombo (7)

AL Masry

Substitutions:

ZESCO United

• Benedict Chepeshi (Pascal Phiri, 46)
• Shemmy Mayembe (Zacharia Chilongoshi, 46)
• Freddy Kouablan (Oghenemarho Ifoni, 70)
• Abraham Siankombo

AL Masry

• Hassan Hassan Ali (Mohamed Ahmed Said Youssef, 67)
• Ahmed Moahmed Mahmoud (Mohamed Gaber Tawfik, 76)
• Mounder Temine (Kingsley Eduwo, 76)

Ball possession:

In a thrilling encounter between ZESCO United and AL Masry, ZESCO United dominated possession with 56% of the ball, showcasing their control and intent throughout the match. The ZESCO United side displayed their attacking prowess by launching an impressive total of 25 shots, with 12 of those shots finding their way on target.

Freddy Kouablan spearheaded the offensive charge for ZESCO United, emerging as the most active player in front of goal, constantly testing the AL Masry defense with his sharp shooting and relentless pressure.

On the other side, AL Masry, despite having less possession at 44%, managed to create opportunities of their own. They recorded a total of 9 shots on target, with 6 shots finding the back of the net.

Mounder Temine stood out for AL Masry with his clinical finishing, consistently putting the ZESCO United defense under pressure with his accurate strikes on goal.

Overall, it was a pulsating contest with both teams showcasing their attacking flair and defensive resilience. ZESCO United’s dominance in possession and sheer volume of shots highlighted their attacking intent, while AL Masry’s efficiency in front of goal demonstrated their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities. The match was a testament to the competitive spirit and skill on display in the world of football.

Passes:

In a thrilling encounter between ZESCO United and AL Masry, the passing accuracy of both teams played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. Fils Vitalis Gantar of ZESCO United showcased exceptional precision with a remarkable pass accuracy of 90% out of a total of 50 passes. This level of accuracy was instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game and creating opportunities for his team.

On the opposing side, Mahmoud Hamada of AL Masry displayed commendable passing skills with an 86% pass accuracy from a total of 44 passes. Despite facing a formidable opponent in Gantar, Hamada’s ability to find his teammates with precision proved to be vital in maintaining possession and launching attacks.

However, it was not just about accuracy, as Abraham Siankombo of ZESCO United stood out with 4 key passes, showcasing his vision and creativity in unlocking the opposition’s defense. In contrast, Karim Hesham Mohamed Mohamed El Eraki of AL Masry managed 1 key pass, demonstrating his ability to influence the game with his distribution.

Overall, the battle of passing accuracy between these talented players added an intriguing dimension to the match, highlighting the importance of precision and vision in modern football. As both teams continue their campaign, the performance of players like Gantar, Hamada, Siankombo, and El Eraki will undoubtedly be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.

Defense:

In a tightly contested match between ZESCO United and AL Masry, defensive prowess took center stage as both teams showcased their resilience at the back. AL Masry emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle, with their defensive efforts proving crucial in securing the win.

ZESCO United’s backline was led by Benedict Chepeshi, who put in a solid defensive shift, registering 1 interception throughout the match. However, it was AL Masry who dominated in this aspect of the game, with a total of 5 interceptions. Mahmoud Hamada was instrumental in leading AL Masry’s defensive charge, making 2 crucial interceptions to thwart ZESCO United’s attacking threats.

Fils Vitalis Gantar also made a notable contribution for ZESCO United, chipping in with 1 interception to disrupt AL Masry’s attacking rhythm. On the other side, Khaled Sobhy managed to register 1 interception for AL Masry, showcasing his defensive awareness in crucial moments.

Overall, both teams exhibited a strong defensive mindset, with interceptions playing a vital role in shaping the outcome of the match. AL Masry’s defensive solidity, spearheaded by Mahmoud Hamada and supported by the likes of Khaled Sobhy, proved to be the difference-maker as they emerged victorious in a closely contested encounter.

The match report highlights the defensive actions of both teams, providing valuable insights into the defensive strategies employed by ZESCO United and AL Masry. With a focus on interceptions and blocks, this report offers a comprehensive analysis of the defensive aspects of the game, showcasing the importance of defensive resilience in football.

Face-to-face:

In a thrilling encounter between ZESCO United and AL Masry, the battle for possession was intense, with standout performances from key players in face-to-face duels for the ball. Pascal Phiri of ZESCO United showcased his tenacity and determination with an impressive 8 face-to-face fights for the ball, demonstrating his commitment to winning possession for his team.

On the opposing side, Mohamed El Sayed Hashem of AL Masry also put in a strong showing with 6 face-to-face duels for the ball, proving to be a formidable opponent in the midfield battle. The clash between these two talented players added an extra layer of excitement to the match, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game.

Despite the fierce competition in the midfield, both teams displayed skill and resilience, creating a captivating contest for spectators. ZESCO United ultimately emerged victorious, thanks in part to Pascal Phiri’s exceptional performance in the face-to-face duels for the ball, securing a well-deserved win.

Overall, the match between ZESCO United and AL Masry was a showcase of competitive spirit and determination, with Pascal Phiri and Mohamed El Sayed Hashem standing out as leaders in the teams’ battle for possession. Their dedication to winning the ball was a key factor in shaping the outcome of the game, highlighting the importance of midfield battles in football matches.

Fouls:

Yellow cards:

• Zacharia Chilongoshi (ZESCO United) at 79 minute
• Peter Musukuma (ZESCO United) at 90 minute
• Bonheur Mugisha (AL Masry) at 57 minute
• Kingsley Eduwo (AL Masry) at 86 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• ZESCO United – L
• AL Masry – W

Top 5 CAF Confederation Cup scorers:

1. Mohamed El Sayed Hashem (2, AL Masry)
2. Chadoma Mukeni (1, Maniema Union)
3. Christian Balako (1, Maniema Union)
4. Dillan Peter Solomons (1, Kaizer Chiefs)
5. Bonheur Mugisha (1, AL Masry)

Line-ups:

Next games:

• ZESCO United will play with Kaizer Chiefs. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.
• AL Masry will play with Zamalek SC. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.