Zamalek return to Cairo with first-leg advantage over Rwandan Army

Zamalek’s squad arrived back in Cairo on Sunday afternoon after returning from Rwanda, where they secured a 1-0 victory over Rwandan Army in the first leg of their CAF Champions League round-of-32 tie.

The Egyptian side won Friday’s match at Amahoro Stadium thanks to Nasser Mansi’s late goal, giving them a narrow advantage before the return fixture at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, 24 October, at 20:00.

Zamalek will qualify for the group stage if they win or draw the second leg. The match in Cairo will bring the tie to a close after the club began their campaign with a win away from home.

Mansi struck in the 90th minute after receiving an excellent pass from Isho. It was his second goal of the season, following his effort in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League against Djibouti club AS Port.

The forward has now scored eight goals in African competitions. Five have come in the CAF Champions League, two in the Confederation Cup and one in the Super Cup.

Despite deciding the match, Mansi was given a heavy financial fine by Zamalek football director Abdel Nasser Mohamed over his conduct after scoring.

The player apologised to head coach Moataz Gamal, Mohamed and his team-mates during dinner after the game. He accepted the punishment and confirmed that decision in a video recorded immediately after the match, having been informed of the value of the fine.

Zamalek subsequently announced that Mansi had been referred for investigation and suspended from first-team group training.

Before the return against Rwandan Army, Zamalek are due to face Asyut Petroleum on Tuesday in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The club are competing in the CAF Champions League for the first time after a three-season absence.