Al Masry claimed a second straight victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage as they edged Zesco United 3–2 in Ndola on Friday to move top of Group D.
The Egyptians made an electric start, striking in the fourth minute through Mohamed Hashem. Their advantage was short-lived, however, as Freddy Kouablan equalised almost immediately for the hosts.
Al Masry regained control midway through the half when Mounder Tenime finished smartly on 24 minutes to send the visitors into the break with a 2–1 lead.
Zesco pushed forward after half-time, introducing Pascal Phiri and Zachariah Chilongoshi at the restart, followed later by Pepo Ifoni and Chijioke Alaekwe. Despite the pressure, it was Al Masry who found the decisive goal. Abderrahim Deghmoum arrived to score in the 68th minute, restoring a two-goal cushion.
Peter Musukuma reduced the deficit with an 87th-minute effort and Zesco threatened again deep into stoppage time. Al Masry held firm through nine tense added minutes to secure a valuable away success.
The result places the Port Said side firmly in control of Group D with six points from two matches. Zamalek follow with three points from their opening win against Zesco and still have a game in hand, while Kaizer Chiefs remain without a point. Zesco stay bottom despite a spirited performance.
Attention now shifts to Saturday’s meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Zamalek, a fixture that will shape the early qualification battle behind the leaders.
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