Al Masry reached the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals after a late decisive assist from Mounder Temine secured the result they needed on the final day.
The Egyptian side advanced by the narrowest of margins, overturning a difficult situation that had left them dependent on results elsewhere in the group.
At kick-off, Al Masry were mathematically eliminated and required both a victory over ZESCO United and a favourable outcome in the parallel fixture between Zamalek SC and Kaizer Chiefs.
A draw in that match could have ended their hopes.
Zamalek’s 2-1 win changed the equation, meaning Al Masry had to win by two goals to qualify on goal difference.
The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute when Karim Bambo scored a well-taken opener to give the hosts belief.
Even then, progression was not yet guaranteed and tension remained high as the match entered its final stages.
With seven minutes remaining, the decisive moment came from Algerian midfielder Mounder Temine.
After recovering possession in midfield, he quickly delivered a precise pass that set up Salah Mohsen to make it 2-0 in the 83rd minute.
That second goal proved crucial. It allowed Al Masry to move ahead of the South African side on goal difference and claim one of the qualifying places in the group.
The dramatic turnaround completed an unlikely qualification, as the Egyptian club had begun the evening needing multiple outcomes to go in their favour.
Their persistence ultimately paid off, with Temine’s intervention providing the defining contribution of the night.
Al Masry now progress to the quarter-finals after a final round marked by shifting permutations, late tension and a decisive assist at exactly the right moment.
