Mohamed Shehata and Chikou Banaza fire Zamalek SC to CAF Champions League win

Zamalek SC claimed a 2-1 victory over AS du Port Taco in the first leg of their first preliminary-round tie in the CAF Champions League.

The Egyptian side took control from the opening stages and used their clear technical superiority to dictate the match. Zamalek SC’s dominance was rewarded when midfielder Mohamed Shehata opened the scoring, giving the Cairo club an early advantage.

The result lifted the pressure on AS du Port Taco and placed the Djiboutian team in a difficult position before the second leg. Zamalek SC continued to press for a second goal, and their attacking approach soon produced another breakthrough.

Striker Chikou Banaza doubled the lead a few minutes after Shehata’s opener. The goal appeared to put Zamalek SC in a strong position as the Egyptian side reached half-time with a two-goal cushion.

AS du Port Taco, faced with the prospect of falling further behind in the tie, needed to respond after the interval. The Djiboutian team returned for the second half with greater urgency and managed to reduce the deficit in an intense spell of play.

Their goal created a more competitive finish and gave AS du Port Taco hope of taking a positive result into the return fixture. However, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser, while Zamalek SC held on to secure a 2-1 win at the final whistle.

The victory gives Zamalek SC a narrow advantage ahead of the second meeting, although AS du Port Taco remain within reach of overturning the deficit. The Djiboutian side will need to produce a markedly improved performance in the return leg if they are to progress.

For Zamalek SC, the focus will now be on completing the job in the second match. The Cairo-based club had appeared to be in control after taking a 2-0 lead, but the late reduction in the gap means the tie is not yet settled.

The second part of the contest is scheduled to take place in a week, when both sides will meet again to decide which team advances from the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.