Zamalek reach CAF Confederation Cup final despite disallowed goal

Zamalek SC secured their place in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup after a goalless draw against CR Belouizdad at the Cairo International Stadium.

Holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Algeria, Zamalek did enough to progress on aggregate, booking their spot in the final after a disciplined performance at home.

The visitors began the match on the front foot, pressing aggressively and pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough, while Zamalek adopted a more cautious approach, focusing on absorbing pressure and maintaining their defensive shape.

Midway through the first half, Zamalek thought they had taken the lead when a free kick from Ahmed Fatouh found Oday Dabbagh, who finished confidently. Dabbagh celebrated by donning a Spider-Man mask, but the moment was cut short as VAR ruled the goal out for offside after review.

The second half maintained a high tempo, with Belouizdad continuing to apply pressure. Hussein Benayada was particularly active, testing the defence with multiple efforts, though he was unable to find the breakthrough.

Zamalek responded through Nasser Mansi, but clear chances remained limited as the Algerian side tightened their defensive structure while committing bodies forward.

The closing stages brought late drama as Belouizdad launched a dangerous counter-attack, breaking into the penalty area before goalkeeper Mehdi Slimane produced a crucial intervention to preserve the scoreline.

Belouizdad continued to push with high intensity in the final minutes, while Zamalek relied on counter-attacks and game management to see out the result.

In the end, the Egyptian side held firm, using their first-leg advantage to secure progression to the final, despite the frustration of a disallowed goal and sustained late pressure from their opponents.