The Egyptians of Zamalek were crowned champions following their victory against the Moroccans of RS Berkane (1-0), in the second leg final of the Confederation Cup this Sunday, May 19. Despite their defeat in the first leg (1-2) but thanks to their away goal on May 12, the Zamalek players won the second title in their history in the competition.
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Remake of the final of the 2018-2019 edition won by Zamalek on penalties against RS Berkane, the Egyptians were once again the executioners of the Moroccans by dominating the debates during this return final (1-0, 2-2 cumulative score) and clinching the coronation thanks to their away goal in the first leg.
Defeated in the first leg, the Egyptians launched hostilities without waiting to catch up: after a first alert from a corner well cleared by the Moroccan goalkeeper (4th), Nabil Dunga tried his luck with a strike from outside the surface without finding the frame (5th). In the process, the Senegalese Ibrahima Ndiaye was on the reception of an aerial ball just in front of the Moroccan cage but his header from close range did not deceive against Hamiani (6th).
Completely in control of the ball, the Cairenes did not let their opponents breathe until they found the fault: abandoned in the area, Ahmed Hamdi opened the scoring with a powerful volley into the left net (26th, 1- 0). Dominated since the start of the match, the Moroccans then woke up with several attempts on Awad’s goal, but Dayo’s header (26th) and Bassene’s strike (32nd) each went well above the cage. .
Just before half-time, Zamalek had the opportunity to double the lead after a hazardous exit from Hamiani on a cross, without finding the net (44th). Berkane also had a good chance at the very end of added time, but the ball flew out of the goal (45th+7).
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Moroccans without mastery in the game
Barely back on the lawn, the White Knights of Zamalek put the pressure back on the Moroccans by offering themselves another clear opportunity in front of goal, without Jaziri managing to get his header on target (50th). Launched into the area, Ndiaye also tried to force the opponent’s lock but lacked precision with his shot (52nd).
Berkane tried to exist in the second half but had to be content with the crumbs left by the Egyptians, dominant in recovery and solid in defense. Labhiri notably fired a mid-range shot over the bar (71st) and Khairi mistimed his free kick at the edge of the area (76th). During the last quarter of an hour, the Moroccans lacked inspiration and impact to turn the tide of the match against the Cairenes who were content to manage the score.
This success of the Egyptians in front of their supporters in Cairo – and their goal scored away during their defeat in the first leg – allows Zamalek to win their second title in the competition after a first coronation won in 2019… already against RS Berkane.