Zamalek take commanding CAF Champions League lead after Zizo opener

Zamalek SC lead APR FC 1-0 at half-time in their CAF Champions League tie after Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” scored in the first minute.

The early goal gives the Egyptian side a 2-0 aggregate advantage across the two legs and leaves them on the brink of qualification for the group stage.

Zamalek, known as the White Knights, caught the Rwandan side cold at the Cairo International Stadium, with Zizo finding the net almost immediately after kick-off.

That perfect start allowed the hosts to control the remainder of the first half with confidence. APR FC, the military side representing the Rwandan Patriotic Army, responded by reorganising and working to prevent the deficit from increasing.

The visitors showed courage and became more disciplined as the half progressed, but they struggled to create a significant threat in the final third and were unable to find an equaliser.

Zamalek’s half-time lead means they are firmly in control of the tie, with one foot in the CAF Champions League group stage.

APR FC now need a remarkable second-half performance, scoring at least twice to overturn the overall deficit and change the course of the contest.