Zamalek ended their Capital Cup campaign on a bittersweet note, beating Smouha 1-0 but failing to advance past the group stage.
The match, played at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria on Wednesday, saw Nasser Mansi net the lone goal in the 24th minute, giving the White Knights a glimmer of hope.
However, the slim margin proved costly. Zamalek needed at least one more goal to secure a place in the quarterfinals but ended up third in Group A on goal difference, level on five points with Modern Sport. Petrojet finished top of the group with a perfect 12 points, comfortably booking their spot in the knockout round.
Despite their win, Zamalek’s overall performance in the group stage left fans wanting more. The team managed just one victory in four matches, highlighting a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
Smouha, on the other hand, bowed out without a single point after suffering their fourth straight defeat a disappointing finish for the Alexandria-based side.
