ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek SC: Assoumou strike stuns Egyptians in CAF Confederation Cup Group clash
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ZESCO United breathed fresh life into their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Zamalek SC in Match Round 5, edging a tense contest in Ndola despite long spells without the ball.
Zamalek dominated possession with **58%** of the ball to ZESCO’s **42%**, but it was the Zambian side’s efficiency, organisation and defensive resilience that proved decisive as they claimed a vital home win against the Egyptian giants.
### Assoumou makes pressure pay
The game’s only goal came from ZESCO’s most active attacking outlet, **D. Assoumou**, whose performance embodied the home side’s disciplined yet purposeful approach.
Assoumou was consistently involved in ZESCO’s forward play and led the match in attempts on goal, making the most of the limited openings his side created on the break. One of those chances finally told, as ZESCO punished a rare lapse in Zamalek’s defensive structure to break the deadlock and ultimately secure all three points.
While Zamalek spent large periods in ZESCO territory, their failure to convert possession into clear chances proved costly. The visitors finished with **8 shots on target** but crucially **none on goal**, as efforts were either blocked, diverted or comfortably handled before truly testing the keeper. Their most threatening outlet was **M. Ismail**, who topped Zamalek’s attempts on goal but could not find a way through a compact ZESCO back line.
In contrast, ZESCO registered **6 shots on target**, with **2 on goal**, and made their greater efficiency in the final third count.
### Midfield battle: possession versus precision
Statistically, Zamalek dictated the tempo, circulating the ball with composure from the back and through midfield. **Hossam Abdelmaguid Abdelsalam Abdelmaguid** stood out, completing **52 passes** at an impressive **86% accuracy**, helping the visitors progress the ball patiently as they probed for openings.
ZESCO, however, were far from careless in possession. When they did have the ball, they used it efficiently. **Luka Mutoshi** anchored the central areas for the hosts, completing **37 passes** at **83% accuracy**, providing a reliable outlet as ZESCO looked to build attacks and relieve pressure.
Creatively, both sides produced moments of quality. **Leonard Mulenga** registered **1 key pass** for ZESCO, playing a crucial part in moving the ball into dangerous areas in the final third. For Zamalek, **M. El Sayed** delivered **2 key passes**, underlining his role as the chief creator in a side that often had territory but lacked the decisive final ball.
Ultimately, ZESCO’s slightly lower passing volume but effective use of possession, especially in transition, contrasted sharply with Zamalek’s more controlled yet increasingly frustrated build-up play.
### Defensive discipline defines the contest
This match was as much about defensive concentration as it was about attacking flair, and both sides showed impressive work without the ball.
Zamalek actually edged the interception count with **14** to ZESCO’s **13**, highlighting the stop-start nature of the game as both teams looked to disrupt opposition rhythm. **A. Khodary** was exceptional defensively for the visitors, making a match-high **6 interceptions**, frequently stepping in to break up counters and recycle possession.
For ZESCO, **D. Assoumou** was not only decisive at the attacking end but also led their interception tally with **3**, reflecting his all-round contribution on the flank and his willingness to track back and support his full-back.
In terms of shot blocking, ZESCO showed a slight edge. The home side made **2 blocks**, with **Kabaso Chongo** responsible for **1** of them, an important contribution as Zamalek pushed forward. Zamalek, despite their dominance of the ball, were forced into more reactive defending at key moments and made **1 block**, credited to **Y. Wael**, who helped to keep the deficit at a single goal.
ZESCO’s defensive line held firm under repeated pressure, with bodies committed in and around the box whenever Zamalek tried to work shooting opportunities from central areas. The combination of interceptions, compact positioning and timely blocks ensured that Zamalek’s territorial advantage rarely translated into clear-cut chances.
### Physical duels and intensity
The pattern of the match was further underlined by the statistics on one-on-one duels for the ball. Zamalek’s **A. Khodary** not only excelled in reading the game but also led all players by contesting **15 face-to-face duels**, a figure that underlines the visitors’ aggressive approach in trying to win the ball high and keep ZESCO under sustained pressure.
For the hosts, **Shemmy Mayembe** was the standout in physical battles, engaging in **5 duels**. His contribution was vital in wide areas as ZESCO tried to contain Zamalek’s attacks down the flanks and launch their own counters. Mayembe’s willingness to engage physically and disrupt Zamalek’s rhythm helped the home side resist long spells of pressure.
These numbers reflect a match in which Zamalek were more frequently on the front foot, engaging in repeated duels in advanced areas, while ZESCO chose their moments more selectively, focusing on key contests in critical zones.
### ZESCO’s game plan rewarded
From an analytical perspective, this CAF Confederation Cup tie was a classic example of control versus impact. Zamalek controlled large portions of the game with their **58% possession**, better raw passing volume and territory, but they lacked penetration in the final third and were repeatedly met by a disciplined ZESCO defensive block.
ZESCO, by contrast, were direct, compact and ruthless when opportunities arose. Their **6 shots on target** and **2 on goal** might not tell the story of a side that attacked constantly, but they do reflect a well-executed plan that prioritised quality over quantity.
Key elements of ZESCO’s success:
– **Defensive structure**: A narrow, organised shape that forced Zamalek wide and away from central shooting lanes.
– **Interceptions and blocks**: **13 interceptions** and **2 blocks**, enough to break up rhythm and protect the penalty area.
– **Transitional threat**: Assoumou and Mulenga combining to turn defensive actions into quick forward surges.
– **Passing efficiency under pressure**: Mutoshi’s **83% pass accuracy** ensured composure in tight central areas.
Zamalek’s inability to convert their statistical advantages into a goal – despite **8 shots on target** and their main forward threat in M. Ismail – will be a concern as they look ahead to the final matchday of the group stage.
### What it means for the CAF Confederation Cup group
The 1–0 victory gives ZESCO United a vital boost in **CAF Confederation Cup Group** standings heading into the final round of fixtures. Defeating a club of Zamalek SC’s stature not only strengthens their position in the group but also reinforces confidence that they can compete tactically and physically with North Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
For Zamalek, this result tightens the margins. Their superior possession and passing numbers, exemplified by Abdelmaguid’s **86% pass accuracy** and El Sayed’s **2 key passes**, did not translate into the goals they needed. They now face increased pressure in their final group match, where their attacking efficiency – not just control – will come under scrutiny.
### Summary
– **Score**: ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek SC
– **Competition**: CAF Confederation Cup, Match Round 5
– **Possession**: ZESCO United **42%** – **58%** Zamalek SC
– ** Shots (on target / on goal)**:
– ZESCO United – **6 shots on target, 2 on goal** (most active shooter: **D. Assoumou**)
– Zamalek SC – **8 shots on target, 0 on goal** (most attempts: **M. Ismail**)
– **Passing**:
– Luka Mutoshi (ZESCO) – **37 passes, 83% accuracy**
– Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek) – **52 passes, 86% accuracy**
– Leonard Mulenga (ZESCO) – **1 key pass**
– M. El Sayed (Zamalek) – **2 key passes**
– **Defensive actions**:
– Interceptions: ZESCO **13** (leader: **D. Assoumou, 3**); Zamalek **14** (leader: **A. Khodary, 6**)
– Blocks: ZESCO **2** (Kabaso Chongo **1**); Zamalek **1** (Y. Wael **1**)
– **Duels**:
– ZESCO leader: **Shemmy Mayembe – 5 face-to-face duels**
– Zamalek leader: **A. Khodary – 15 face-to-face duels**
In a match defined by fine margins, ZESCO United’s defensive discipline, better use of limited chances and Assoumou’s decisive contribution were enough to edge out a technically superior but blunt Zamalek side and keep their CAF Confederation Cup hopes very much alive.
- ZESCO United will play with AL Masry. February 14 at 16:00 (GMT), on Borg El Arab Stadium.
- Zamalek SC will play with Kaizer Chiefs. February 14 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.
ZESCO United
- Levis Opiyo (6.9)
- Shemmy Mayembe (6.9)
- Mathews Chabala (6.9)
- Kabaso Chongo (7)
- Zacharia Chilongoshi (6.9)
- Leonard Mulenga (6.7)
- Luka Mutoshi (6.9)
- D. Assoumou (6.9)
- Emmanuel Manda (6.5)
- Amine Hiver (6.7)
- Abraham Siankombo (6.6)
Zamalek SC
Substitutions:
ZESCO United
- Abraham Siankombo (E. Mwanza, 84)
- D. Assoumou (Samson Ngoma, 84)
Zamalek SC
- Y. Wael (Mohamed Mohamed Shehata Mahmoud, 46)
- M. I. Hassan (E. Osama, 62)
- Ahmed Hamdi Hussein Hafez (M. El Sayed, 62)
- Ahmed Sherif Mostafa Kamal (A. Esho, 74)
- M. Ismail (M. Hamad, 84)
Ball possession:
Passes:
Defense:
Face-to-face:
Fouls:
- Leonard Mulenga (ZESCO United) at 66 minute
- Emmanuel Manda (ZESCO United) at 90 minute
- Levis Opiyo (ZESCO United) at 90 minute
- Naser Mansi (Zamalek SC) at 64 minute
Yellow cards:
Penalties in a match:
- Amine Hiver (ZESCO United) at 61 minute
The last five games (including this match):
- ZESCO United – L
- Zamalek SC – W
Top 5 CAF Confederation Cup scorers:
- Mohamed El Sayed Hashem (2, AL Masry)
- Pomi Nzaou (2, )
- Seifeddine Jaziri (2, Zamalek SC)
- Salah Mohsen Mohamed Shalabi (1, AL Masry)
- Chadoma Mukeni (1, Maniema Union)
Line-ups:
Next games:
- ZESCO United will play with AL Masry. February 14 at 16:00 (GMT), on Borg El Arab Stadium.
- Zamalek SC will play with Kaizer Chiefs. February 14 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.
