Zamalek, RS Berkane Secure CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Spot
CAF Confederation Cup title-holders Zamalek of Egypt and Renaissance Berkane, the Moroccan club they beat in the last final, made contrasting entries to the 2025 group stage on Friday..
The Egyptian side, who entered the second leg with a slim 1-0 advantage, put on a solid performance to outclass their Kenyan opponents and move on to the next stage.
Kenya Police, fresh off their FKF Cup triumph, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Despite some promising moments, they were often wasteful in possession and failed to capitalize on key scoring opportunities.
Zamalek, however, took control in the second half. Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, expertly volleying a cross past goalkeeper Patrick Matasi to put the White Knights ahead.
Just four minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead in fortuitous fashion. A miscommunication between Police defender Musa Mohamed and Matasi allowed Nasser Maher to pounce on the loose ball and slot it into the net, extending Zamalek’s aggregate lead to 3-0.
Kenya Police briefly clawed their way back into the contest when Jesse Were headed in from a well-placed free-kick in the 65th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The visitors pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but lacked the composure needed to find the back of the net.
Tyson Otieno squandered a golden chance, sending his effort over the bar from close range, while Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamad Sobhi made crucial saves to maintain his side’s lead.
Despite a spirited late surge from Kenya Police, Zamalek held firm and secured a deserved victory.
The Egyptian giants will now turn their attention to the group stage, while Kenya Police shift focus to their domestic campaign.
Meanwhile, Stade Malien also secured their place in the group stage on Friday with a commanding 3-1 victory over Paynesville FC in the second leg of their second preliminary round clash.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Bamako side overturned the deficit early, thanks to Moctar Cissé’s 10th-minute opener.
Soumaila Magassouba and Souleymane Dramé added two more before the half-hour mark, sealing a dominant display.
Despite a late goal from Paynesville’s Mark Paye, it wasn’t enough to prevent Stade Malien’s progression with a 3-2 aggregate win.
