Zamalek hold firm against Belouizdad to reach CAF Confederation Cup final

Zamalek SC booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup final after a disciplined 0-0 draw against CR Belouizdad in Cairo on Friday, advancing 1-0 on aggregate following their first-leg win in Algiers.

The Egyptian side reached their third final in the competition, and a second in three seasons, built on another solid defensive performance at the Cairo International Stadium.

Zamalek started brightly, pushing forward in search of an early goal, but Belouizdad responded well, with Abdelrahman Meziane testing the hosts in the opening stages. Abdallah El-Said thought he had broken the deadlock midway through the first half, only for his header to be ruled out after a VAR review.

Belouizdad’s best chance before the break fell to Houcine Benayada, whose long-range effort drifted narrowly wide.

The visitors increased the tempo after the restart, knowing one goal would level the tie, but clear chances remained limited. Their only shot on target came late in the second half, underlining Zamalek’s defensive control.

Nasser Mansi led the attacking effort for Zamalek, forcing saves from goalkeeper Farid Chaal and finishing as the game’s most active forward.

Zamalek held firm through stoppage time to secure progression, while Belouizdad bowed out after failing to score in their last three matches.

They will face either Olympique Safi or USM Alger in the final.

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