Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek SC moved a step closer to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after earning a 1–1 draw against AS Otoho in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
The match, played at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville, was a fiercely contested encounter with both sides creating scoring opportunities.
However, the result gives Zamalek a slight edge ahead of the return leg in Cairo.
With the away draw secured, the Egyptian side will only need a goalless result in the second leg at Cairo International Stadium on March 22 to qualify for the semi-finals.
Otoho Strike First
The Congolese hosts began the match on the front foot and took the lead in the 13th minute. Charles Atipo scored with a well-taken free kick from outside the penalty area, beating the Zamalek defence and giving the home side an early advantage.
The goal energized the home supporters and briefly placed the visitors under pressure as they tried to regain control.
Zamalek had a chance to respond four minutes later when forward Oday Dabbagh found space in the attacking area, but he failed to convert the opportunity.
AS Otoho almost doubled their lead shortly afterward when a dangerous cross was delivered from the right flank, forcing Mohamed Ibrahim to make a crucial clearance inside the six-yard box.
Zamalek Level Before Half-Time
After a slow start, Zamalek gradually settled into the game and began to dominate possession.
Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Ahmed Rabie delivered a precise through pass into the penalty area. Oday Dabbagh reacted quickly and fired a first-time shot into the net to bring the Egyptian side level.
Zamalek continued to push forward and nearly went ahead before the break. Chico Banza made a strong run down the right wing and sent a dangerous cross across the goalmouth, but no teammate was able to connect.
The visitors also appealed for a penalty in the 41st minute after Ahmed Fatouh went down inside the box, but the referee allowed play to continue following a VAR review.
Late Chances but No Winner
Both teams pushed for a winning goal in the second half.
In the 74th minute, Juan Bezerra set up Mohamed El Sayed with a well-timed pass inside the area, but the forward’s shot drifted wide of the target.
Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi later produced a crucial save after a dangerous delivery from Atipo threatened to catch him off guard.
AS Otoho came close again in stoppage time when Grace unleashed a powerful effort that narrowly missed the right post.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned 1–1 draw, leaving the tie delicately balanced. However, Zamalek will head into the second leg in Cairo with confidence, holding the advantage of an important away goal.
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