Zamalek reach CAF Champions League group stage as Rwandan Army rue missed chances

Zamalek progressed to the CAF Champions League group stage after a 1-0 victory over Rwandan Army in the second leg of their second-round tie, with the visitors’ coach Abd al-Rahim Taleb saying his side failed to take advantage of several opportunities.

Ahmed Sherif scored Zamalek’s only goal in the opening minute to secure a second successive 1-0 win over Rwandan Army. The Egyptian side had also won the first leg in Rwanda by the same score, completing a 2-0 aggregate victory.

Speaking to On Sport, Taleb said: “We controlled the match and missed more than one chance, especially in the second half. We were unable to score, as happened in the first leg.”

He added: “We managed to reach Zamalek’s goal through the wings, but we lacked the final touch.”

Taleb said the result in the opening match had not affected his team’s performance, but admitted they were slow to settle into the return fixture.

“The first-leg result did not affect us,” he said. “We wanted to score, but we did not get into the atmosphere of the match from the beginning.”

The coach also praised Zamalek’s experience and mentality, saying the club’s history had helped them manage the tie.

“Zamalek have history, as well as a culture of winning and lifting trophies,” Taleb said.

“Zamalek have quality in both their players and coaching staff. The players approached the match with a fighting spirit, and through their work and co-operation, and with Al Ahly absent and Mamelodi Sundowns out of the competition, they have an opportunity to win the title. I hope they do so.”

The result marked the fourth time this season that Zamalek have won by a 1-0 scoreline.

For Sherif, the goal continued a productive run. He scored in consecutive matches for the second time with Zamalek. His first such sequence came against Abu Qir Fertilizers and Ghazl El Mahalla, while the latest goals were scored against Asyut Petroleum and Rwandan Army.

The striker has now contributed to six goals in nine matches this season, scoring four and providing two assists.

Zamalek last reached the CAF Champions League group stage in the 2022-23 season. They were drawn alongside CR Belouizdad of Algeria, Al-Merrikh of Sudan and Esperance Tunis, but were eliminated at that stage.