Zamalek edge Guinness 1-0 in friendly ahead of Confederation Cup quarter-final second leg

Zamalek secured a narrow 1-0 victory over third-division side Guinness in a friendly match at the Military Academy Stadium as they gear up for their second-leg clash against Otoho in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

The lone goal came in the 52nd minute when Ahmed Hamdi converted a penalty awarded after a foul on Tunisian forward Seif Jaziri. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Zamalek could not extend their lead, leaving the final score at 1-0.

Zamalek began the match with a starting lineup featuring Mahmoud El Shenawy in goal, with Omar Gaber, Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh,” El Sayed Osama, Saif Mohamed, Mahmoud Jihad, Saif Gaafar, Adam Kayed, Ahmed Sherif, Amr Nasser, and Ayman Amir Abdel Aziz completing the XI. The first half ended goalless as Zamalek repeatedly threatened but failed to break through Guinness’ defense.

In the second half, coach Zamalek coaching staff introduced Baron Osheing, Khaled El-Sayed, Youssef Wael, Ahmed Hamdi, Mohamed Hamad, and Seif El-Geziri, which paid off when Hamdi scored from the penalty. Goalkeeper Mahmoud El Shenawy replaced Mohamed Abdel Fattah shortly after to maintain control at the back.

While Zamalek pushed for a second goal, Guinness held firm, denying the Egyptian giants further scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, the friendly served its purpose, allowing Zamalek to test tactics and rotations ahead of the crucial continental encounter.

The Egyptian club will now focus on the second leg against Otoho, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium in Congo-Brazzaville. The return match is set for next Sunday at Cairo International Stadium, where Zamalek will aim to secure a place in the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup.