Kaizer Chiefs have been eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Zamalek SC at the Suez Canal Stadium on Saturday evening.
The result, coupled with Al Masry SC’s 2-0 victory over Zesco United, ensured that the two Egyptian sides claimed the top two spots in Group D and progressed to the quarterfinals.
Amakhosi finished third in the group standings, marking their second cup exit in just over a week after their Nedbank Cup elimination at the hands of Stellenbosch FC earlier this month.
First-Half Chances Go Begging
Zamalek threatened early, with Ahmed Sherif breaking into the box in the 14th minute, but his effort from a tight angle failed to trouble Brandon Peterson.
Chiefs responded midway through the half when Glody Lilepo tested goalkeeper Al Mahdi Soliman with a well-struck free kick. The Egyptian shot-stopper produced a fine save to keep the match level.
The hosts nearly took the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Oday Dabbagh missed a golden opportunity, heading wide from close range.
Zamalek Take Control
The breakthrough arrived eight minutes into the second half. Nasr Mansy delivered a precise cross from the right, and Juan Alvina rose to head home from close range to make it 1-0.
Zamalek doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute when substitute Abdallah El Said latched onto a through ball from Mohamed Hamad and calmly slotted a low shot into the bottom corner.
Chiefs gave themselves hope in the 75th minute. Lilepo powered in a header from a Lebohang Maboe corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, despite late pressure, the Soweto giants could not find the equaliser that would have secured their place in the last eight. Instead, they lost second position to Al Masry on goal difference, with the teams level on points and head-to-head records.
Match Summary
Zamalek 2 (Alvina 53’, El Said 72’)
Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Lilepo 75’)
With their continental campaign now over, Chiefs must regroup quickly as they turn their focus back to domestic competition.