AL Masry Triumphs Over ZESCO United 3-2 in 2025 CAF Confederation Cup Clash

AL Masry secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over ZESCO United in an intense Round 2 match of the CAF Confederation Cup. The game was filled with action from the start, with both teams showing their attacking prowess.

AL Masry wasted no time in taking the lead, with Mohamed El Sayed Hashem finding the back of the net just 4 minutes into the game, giving his team an early advantage. However, ZESCO United responded quickly, as Freddy Kouablan equalized just a minute later, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

The visitors regained the lead in the 24th minute when Mounder Temine capitalized on a defensive lapse to put AL Masry ahead once again. Despite ZESCO United’s best efforts to level the score, it was AL Masry who extended their lead in the 68th minute, courtesy of Abderrahim Deghmoum’s clinical finish.

With time running out, ZESCO United mounted a late comeback attempt, and they were rewarded in the 87th minute when Peter Musukuma scored to make it 3-2. However, it was too little too late for the home side as AL Masry held on for a crucial victory.

The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. AL Masry’s clinical finishing proved to be the difference in the end, as they emerged victorious in a closely contested battle.

The result sees AL Masry claim all three points and move to the top of the group standings, while ZESCO United will be left to rue missed opportunities. Both teams can take positives from their performances and will look to build on this result in the upcoming matches in the CAF Confederation Cup.

• ZESCO United will play with Kaizer Chiefs. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.
• AL Masry will play with Zamalek SC. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.

ZESCO United

• Philip Sakauta (6)
• Benedict Chepeshi (6.2)
• Fils Vitalis Gantar (6.6)
• Kabaso Chongo (7.2)
• Shemmy Mayembe (6.2)
• Lindo Thembinkosi Mkhonta (6.6)
• Leonard Mulenga (6.3)
• Peter Musukuma (7.7)
• David Simukonda (6.9)
• Freddy Kouablan (7.3)
• Abraham Siankombo (7)

AL Masry

Substitutions:

ZESCO United

• Benedict Chepeshi (Pascal Phiri, 46)
• Shemmy Mayembe (Zacharia Chilongoshi, 46)
• Freddy Kouablan (Oghenemarho Ifoni, 70)
• Abraham Siankombo

AL Masry

• Hassan Hassan Ali (Mohamed Ahmed Said Youssef, 67)
• Ahmed Moahmed Mahmoud (Mohamed Gaber Tawfik, 76)
• Mounder Temine (Kingsley Eduwo, 76)

Ball possession:

In a captivating encounter between ZESCO United and AL Masry, the ball possession was keenly contested with ZESCO United edging ahead with 56%, leaving AL Masry with 44% of the possession.

ZESCO United showcased their attacking prowess by unleashing a total of 25 shots towards the goal, with 12 of them hitting the target. Among the standout performers in terms of shooting was Freddy Kouablan, who proved to be a constant threat to the AL Masry defense with his relentless attacking display.

On the other hand, AL Masry managed to muster 9 shots on target, with 6 of them challenging the ZESCO United goalkeeper. Mounder Temine stood out for AL Masry, displaying precision and accuracy in front of goal with his impressive hits on target.

The match was a spectacle of attacking football, with both teams demonstrating their intent to secure victory through their offensive tactics. Despite the difference in ball possession, both ZESCO United and AL Masry displayed determination and skill in their shooting efforts, creating an enthralling contest for the fans.

Overall, the match was a showcase of the competitive spirit and skillful play from both sides, with ZESCO United’s dominance in ball possession and shooting statistics ultimately proving crucial in securing a hard-fought victory.

Passes:

In a tightly contested battle between ZESCO United and AL Masry, passing accuracy played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the match. Fils Vitalis Gantar showcased his exceptional playmaking ability for ZESCO United, boasting an impressive pass accuracy of 90% from a total of 50 passes. His precise distribution on the field was instrumental in controlling the tempo of the game and creating opportunities for his teammates.

On the opposing side, Mahmoud Hamada of AL Masry displayed his own proficiency in passing, registering an 86% pass accuracy rate from 44 passes. Despite facing strong opposition from ZESCO United, Hamada’s ability to find his teammates with accuracy was crucial in maintaining possession and building attacks for his team.

Noteworthy contributions also came from ZESCO United’s Abraham Siankombo, who delivered 4 key passes during the match, showcasing his vision and creativity in the final third. In contrast, Karim Hesham Mohamed Mohamed El Eraki of AL Masry provided 1 key pass, demonstrating his ability to unlock the opposition’s defense with a single decisive delivery.

Overall, the match was a testament to the importance of passing accuracy in modern football, with both teams relying on their playmakers to dictate the flow of the game. ZESCO United’s Gantar and AL Masry’s Hamada exemplified the value of precision passing in creating scoring opportunities and controlling possession. As the final whistle blew, it was evident that the battle of passing accuracy had played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the contest.

Defense:

In a tightly contested match between ZESCO United and AL Masry, defensive prowess took center stage as both teams displayed resilience and determination. The focus on interceptions and blocks showcased the tactical discipline and commitment to keeping a clean sheet.

ZESCO United, led by Benedict Chepeshi with 1 interception, put up a valiant effort in disrupting AL Masry’s attacking play. The backline showed great organization and awareness, limiting the opposition’s chances on goal. Fils Vitalis Gantar also contributed with 1 interception, further solidifying ZESCO United’s defensive stronghold.

On the other side, AL Masry showcased their defensive solidity with a total of 5 interceptions, with Mahmoud Hamada leading the way with 2 crucial interceptions. Khaled Sobhy also made a notable interception, showcasing the team’s collective effort in shutting down ZESCO United’s attacking threats.

Overall, both teams demonstrated a strong defensive performance, with interceptions and blocks playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the match. The tactical battle between the two sides added an element of intrigue, highlighting the importance of defensive actions in modern football.

As the final whistle blew, it was evident that the defensive efforts of both ZESCO United and AL Masry played a significant role in securing a hard-fought result. The commitment to intercepting and blocking opposition attacks showcased the determination and resilience of both teams, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Face-to-face:

ZESCO United clashed with AL Masry in a thrilling encounter that showcased intense battles for possession throughout the match. The face-to-face duels for the ball were a key highlight, with Pascal Phiri from ZESCO United leading the charge with an impressive 8 confrontations, closely followed by Mohamed El Sayed Hashem from AL Masry, who engaged in 6 fierce battles.

The match started with both teams showing great determination to dominate the midfield, setting the stage for a competitive showdown. Pascal Phiri’s relentless pursuit of the ball provided ZESCO United with a strong presence in the center of the pitch, as he consistently outmaneuvered his opponents to gain possession.

Meanwhile, Mohamed El Sayed Hashem from AL Masry displayed exceptional skill and tenacity in his duels for the ball, showcasing his ability to disrupt ZESCO United’s attacking plays and launch counter-attacks for his team. His strategic positioning and quick reactions made him a formidable force in the midfield battle.

As the match progressed, the intensity of the face-to-face duels for the ball continued to escalate, with both players pushing themselves to the limit in their quest for supremacy. The crowd was treated to a spectacle of skill, determination, and physical prowess as Pascal Phiri and Mohamed El Sayed Hashem engaged in a series of captivating battles.

In the end, ZESCO United emerged victorious, thanks in part to Pascal Phiri’s commanding performance in the midfield. His dominance in the face-to-face duels for the ball proved crucial in securing his team’s victory, highlighting the importance of winning individual battles in the pursuit of collective success.

Overall, the clash between ZESCO United and AL Masry was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Pascal Phiri and Mohamed El Sayed Hashem standing out as the leaders in the face-to-face duels for the ball. Their exceptional performances added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling match, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next showdown on the pitch.

Fouls:

Yellow cards:

• Zacharia Chilongoshi (ZESCO United) at 79 minute
• Peter Musukuma (ZESCO United) at 90 minute
• Bonheur Mugisha (AL Masry) at 57 minute
• Kingsley Eduwo (AL Masry) at 86 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• ZESCO United – L
• AL Masry – W

Top 5 CAF Confederation Cup scorers:

1. Mohamed El Sayed Hashem (2, AL Masry)
2. Chadoma Mukeni (1, Maniema Union)
3. Christian Balako (1, Maniema Union)
4. Dillan Peter Solomons (1, Kaizer Chiefs)
5. Bonheur Mugisha (1, AL Masry)

Line-ups:

Next games:

• ZESCO United will play with Kaizer Chiefs. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.
• AL Masry will play with Zamalek SC. January 25 at 16:00 (GMT), on Cairo International Stadium.