Zamalek edge Rwandan Army 1-0 in CAF Champions League

Zamalek secured a 1-0 victory over the Rwandan Army in the CAF Champions League round of 32, with Ahmed Sherif scoring the decisive goal.

Sherif struck in the opening stages after Omar Gaber delivered a cross from the right into the penalty area. The ball reached Sherif in front of goal and he finished with a first-time touch into the net.

Zamalek controlled much of the match and created several opportunities to extend their lead. Ahmed Sherif was denied by the goalkeeper after Ahmed Fattouh’s curling pass put him through, while Adi Dabbagh also saw a close-range effort saved following a skilful run past the Rwandan defence.

Mohamed Hamdy missed another chance when he collected the ball in the centre of the penalty area but sent his shot high over the goal. Mohamed Shehata tested the goalkeeper from distance, with the effort turned behind for a corner, while Ahmed Abdel Rahim’s powerful attempt from the left side of the box narrowly missed the right post.

The Rwandan Army remained a threat on the break. Togui fired narrowly wide from outside the penalty area, before another long-range effort from the same player was brilliantly stopped twice by Zamalek goalkeeper Mehdi Soliman.

Zamalek’s defence dealt effectively with the visitors’ pressure, with Mohamed Ismail and Omar Gaber clearing several dangerous balls from the penalty area. A Rwandan Army corner from the right was headed away by Gaber, while another cross from Watara was diverted out of danger by Ismail.

Abdallah El Said was involved in much of Zamalek’s attacking play. His free-kick from near the penalty area went over the crossbar, and his corner deliveries were either collected by the goalkeeper or cleared by the defence. He also sent a pass forward during a counter-attack, but the Rwandan goalkeeper came out quickly to intercept it before Gaber could take control.

Zamalek continued to press after the interval. Ahmed Abdel Rahim beat a defender before seeing his low shot saved, while Chico Banza’s attempt from outside the area was comfortably gathered. Gaber also forced a strong save after moving into the box and shooting at goal.

The visitors went close when Watara’s powerful free-kick from the middle of Zamalek’s defensive half struck the crossbar and went out of play.

The match was briefly stopped after injuries to Watara, Ismail and Soliman. The Rwandan Army made two substitutions, while Zamalek made four changes during the game. One Rwandan player received a yellow card for a foul on Mohamed Hamdy, and Nshimimana was booked for stopping a promising counter-attack by bringing down Mohamed Shehata.

Zamalek finished with 62% possession to the Rwandan Army’s 38%, after holding 64% earlier in the first half. The referee added one minute of stoppage time.