Former champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, Zamalek SC, displayed their resilience and skill as they fought back to claim a late victory against Future FC in the Quarter-Finals.
The intense match unfolded at the Al Salam Stadium on a Sunday evening, showcasing Zamalek's determination and tactical prowess.
Ahmed Sayed played a pivotal role in Zamalek's triumph, setting up Hamza Mahlouthi for the equalizer before sealing the win himself. Despite Khaled Abdelhamid scoring the opener for Future FC, Zamalek's persistence paid off, securing a 2-1 win and advancing to the next stage of the competition.
Throughout the game, Zamalek dominated possession and constantly threatened Future FC's defense. Shikabala, in particular, showcased his experience and skill with a dazzling solo run that nearly resulted in a goal, only to be denied by an impressive save from Mahmoud Elrhim.
However, it was Future FC who surprisingly took the lead against the run of play, capitalizing on a counterattack that saw Mohamed Salama deliver a precise pass to Abdelhamid, who found the back of the net against his former team.
But just before halftime, Zamalek demonstrated their championship pedigree as Mahlouthi nodded in the equalizer from a well-executed corner by Sayed, shifting the momentum back in their favor.
In the second half, Zamalek intensified their efforts to secure the lead, with Shikabala once again posing a threat with his skillful play. Despite their numerous attempts, they were unable to find the breakthrough until the dying moments of the game.
A crucial moment came when Seifeddine Jaziri was fouled in the box, earning Zamalek a penalty. Sayed, who had been instrumental throughout the match, calmly converted the spot-kick, securing victory for his team with his fourth goal of the competition.
