Egyptian giants Zamalek have taken a major stride toward the final of the CAF Confederation Cup after they defeated Algerian hosts CR Belouizdad 1-0 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Friday night.
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The White Knights triumphed in the first leg of the semifinal tie on the back of Juan Alvina’s first-half goal and survived several scares from the Reds, including efforts which hit the woodwork and a goal ruled out by VAR.
Belouizdad looked to capitalise on the fervent atmosphere created by their fans in the early minutes, but Zamalek stood up to the pressure well and began creating chances on the counter, the first of which saw Juan Alvina drag a shot wide just after the quarter-hour mark.
And in the 28th minute the Egyptian club claimed the lead, with Nasr Mansy’s clever flick putting Alvina in behind the defence – the Brazilian winger then drove a low shot between the legs of goalkeeper Farid Chaal for 1-0.
The Algerian hosts reasserted a sense of control in the final 10 minutes of the first half, but were unable to create any clear chances to equalise, leaving the score one goal in favour of the White Knights at the interval.
Belouizdad were close to restoring parity early in the second half when defender Youssef Laouafi got on the end of a free kick from Mohamed Khacef, but his glancing header flashed just wide of the target.
Another set piece brought the hosts even closer in the 54th minute, as Younes Ouassa met a free kick from Abdelraouf Benguit and headed the ball onto the crossbar.
Attacking pressure from the Reds seemed to finally pay off midway through the second half, as Khacef’s cross from the left by-line was parried by goalkeeper Al Mahdi Soliman, but only straight into Abdennour Belhocini, who then turned the ball home.
However, a VAR review led to the decision that Belhocini had handled the ball, and the goal was disallowed by referee Abongile Tom.
In the 76th minute another CRB chance was created from the left flank, with Abderrahmane Meziane volleying on target, but Soliman made an excellent save to keep his team on top.
Belouizdad continued to apply attacking pressure through the remainder of regulation time, and seven additional minutes, but they were met only with frustration in their attempts to draw level.
The return leg is set for the Cairo International Stadium on Friday 17 April. The aggregate winners will advance to the final to face either USM Alger or Olympic Safi.
CR Belouizdad 0
Zamalek (1) 1 (Alvina 28’)
CRB: Chaal, Belhocini (Belkhir 78’), Boukerchaoui (Benzid 85’), Boukhanchouch, Boussouar (Ben Hammouda 90+1’), Benguit, Laouafi, Khacef, Benayada, Meziane, Ouassa
ZAMALEK: Soliman, Gaber, Abdelmaguid, Ismail, Fatouh (El Wensh 90+1), El Said (Kaied 85’), Rabie, Shehata, Alvina (Sherif 46’), Dabbagh (Bentayg 85’), Mansy (Jaziri 90+5’)