Kaizer Chiefs bowed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after a 2–1 away defeat to Zamalek SC at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.
Juan Alvina and Abdallah El Said scored for Zamalek, while Glody Lilepo netted the only goal for the visitors, which was not enough to secure the needed point.
Amakhosi made three changes from the line-up that started against Al Masry, bringing on Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane and George Matlou for Aden McCarthy, Dillan Solomons and Mduduzi Shabalala.
Both sides were cautious in the early stages of the match, with very few clear goal-scoring opportunities created at either end of the pitch.
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Zamalek SC then created two quick successive chances and came close to opening the scoring. Ahmed Sherif burst into the penalty area after finding space behind the defense, but he failed to keep his composure and sent his shot soaring over the crossbar.
Just a minute later, Nasser Mansy had another opportunity from the edge of the box. However, his effort also lacked accuracy, as his strike sailed over the bar.
Amakhosi also made a few promising forward movements but were unable to find the breakthrough.
In the 25th minute, Brandon Petersen produced a fantastic save when Nasser Mansy struck a powerful effort from outside the box. The Chiefs goalkeeper reacted sharply and parried the ball away to safety.
In the first five minutes of the second half, Zamalek showed a clear intent to score, repeatedly pushing forward as they looked to rattle the back of the net.
In the 53rd minute, Zamalek finally broke the deadlock when Juan Alvina met a precise cross from Mansy, powering a well-placed header past the goalkeeper to give his side a lead.
In the 72nd minute, Zamalek doubled their lead via Abdallah El Said, who slotted home while unmarked on the right side.
A few minutes later, Glody Lilepo pulled one back, rising above everyone to score a header from a corner kick.
Amakhosi made further attempts to bounce back into the game but couldn’t make much of their opportunities to get a crucial equaliser.
With Al Masry winning 2–0 against Zesco United in the other match, the Egyptian side moved into second position, level with Chiefs on goal difference but having scored more goals, thereby securing a spot in the next round.
