Egyptian Euphoria: Zamalek SC Crowned CAF Confederations Cup Champions
In a gripping finale to the CAF Confederations Cup, Egyptian giants Zamalek SC etched their name in the annals of African football history by emerging victorious against the formidable Renaissance Sportive de Berkane. The nail-biting encounter, played at the iconic International Stadium in Cairo, culminated in a hard-fought 1-0 triumph for the Egyptian side, with the halftime score standing at 1-0.
The decisive strike came in the 23rd minute, courtesy of Ahmed Hamdi's clinical finish, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two clubs vying for continental glory. This triumph marked Zamalek's second Confederations Cup title, adding to their illustrious legacy in African football.
The first leg, played a week earlier in Morocco, had seen Renaissance Sportive de Berkane snatch a 2-1 advantage. However, the Moroccan club, despite being the double defending champions (2020-2022), fell short of overcoming the Egyptian hurdle once again, having previously succumbed to Zamalek in the 2019 final, where the Cairo-based side emerged victorious on penalties.
Remarkably, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane had embarked on an exceptional campaign in the Confederations Cup, remaining unbeaten until the return leg of the final (8 wins, 3 draws – including 2 walkovers in the semi-finals). Their mental fortitude, a hallmark of their success in African competitions, was put to the ultimate test against a determined Zamalek side.
The Moroccans began the encounter on the front foot, weathering the Egyptian onslaught in the opening 20 minutes, during which Zamalek dominated proceedings. However, the resilient Renaissance Sportive de Berkane defense eventually succumbed in the 23rd minute, as Ahmed Fathi's strike handed Zamalek their second Confederations Cup triumph.
The match took a dramatic turn in the dying moments, as Renaissance Sportive de Berkane were reduced to ten men following Hamza Moussaoui's dismissal in the 96th minute.
While Egyptian football celebrated Zamalek's continental triumph, their compatriots Al Ahly stand poised to complete an Egyptian double in the CAF Champions League. In the first leg of the final, played on Saturday in Tunis, Al Ahly secured a valuable 0-0 draw against Espérance Sportive de Tunis, keeping their hopes of continental glory alive.
As the curtain falls on the CAF Confederations Cup, Egyptian football basks in the glory of Zamalek's triumph, marking a remarkable achievement for the nation's illustrious footballing pedigree.