Champions League: Zamalek holds a comfortable lead over Espérance

What a spectacle in Cairo. Zamalek SC and Espérance Sportive de Tunis once again delivered an intense and dramatic encounter, with the Egyptian side emerging victorious 3-1 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final.

Just days after their clash in the CAF Super Cup, the two heavyweights resumed hostilities at Cairo International Stadium in a match that lived up to expectations. The opening minutes were played at a frantic pace, with both sides showing attacking intent. Espérance looked the sharper team early on and created the clearer opportunities, but Hamdi El Houni failed to capitalize on promising situations in front of goal.

Despite missing earlier chances, the Tunisian side eventually broke the deadlock. Raouf Benguit found the back of the net to give the Blood and Gold a deserved lead. However, their advantage did not last long. Zamalek responded swiftly, and Mohamed Ounajem produced a superb strike to level the score at 1-1 before halftime, restoring parity and igniting the home crowd.

The second half resumed in an electric atmosphere, with supporters urging Zamalek forward. As the match entered its decisive phase, tension mounted on both sides. With fifteen minutes remaining, Achraf Bencharki rose to the occasion, scoring to put Zamalek ahead 2-1. The goal sparked heated protests from Espérance players, who claimed a foul in the build-up. Amid the controversy, Mohamed Ben Romdhane was shown a red card, leaving the Tunisian champions to finish the match with ten men.

Reduced in numbers, Espérance struggled to contain the Egyptian side in the closing stages. Deep into stoppage time, Zamalek were awarded a penalty, further compounding the visitors’ frustration. Mahmoud Alaa stepped up confidently and converted from the spot to seal a 3-1 victory for the hosts.

The result gives Zamalek a significant advantage heading into the return leg, scheduled to take place in Radès in one week. Nevertheless, with Espérance’s pedigree and home support, the tie remains far from decided. The second leg promises yet another gripping chapter in this fierce continental rivalry.