CAF Confederation Cup: Zamalek and Al Masry seal dramatic quarter-final qualification in Group D finale

Zamalek and Al Masry secured their places in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after decisive victories on the final day of Group D, eliminating Kaizer Chiefs and Zesco United in a dramatic conclusion to the group stage on Saturday.

Heading into Matchday 6, all three of Zamalek, Al Masry and Kaizer Chiefs remained in contention for the two qualification spots.

By the end of an intense evening, the Egyptian clubs emerged triumphant — Zamalek topping the group with 11 points and Al Masry advancing as runners-up on 10, edging Chiefs on goal difference.

• Zamalek 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs

At the Suez Canal Stadium, Zamalek defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in a high-stakes encounter that swung decisively after the break.

The first half was marked by caution from both sides, with neither willing to overcommit in a fixture that would determine their continental fate.

The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Juan Bezerra gave the hosts the lead, finishing confidently to ignite celebrations among the home supporters.

Zamalek grew in confidence and asserted control, and their dominance was rewarded again in the 72nd minute when Abdallah El Said doubled the advantage with a composed finish.

Kaizer Chiefs responded immediately. Glody Lobibo reduced the deficit in the 75th minute, setting up a tense final quarter as the South African side pushed forward in search of the goal that would have secured their passage.

Despite mounting pressure, Zamalek defended resolutely in the closing stages, managing the tempo and protecting their narrow lead.

The final whistle confirmed a vital victory that saw the Cairo giants finish as Group D winners.

• Al Masry 2-0 Zesco United

Simultaneously, in Port Said, Al Masry delivered when it mattered most, defeating Zambia’s Zesco United 2-0 to secure second place.

The opening half was tightly contested, with Zesco defending compactly and Al Masry struggling to find space. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute when substitute Karim Bambo — introduced moments earlier — capitalised on an opportunity to put the hosts ahead.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in Al Masry’s favour. As Zesco chased the game, gaps began to appear, and Salah Mohsen sealed qualification in the 81st minute with a clinical finish to double the lead.

Al Masry’s victory lifted them to 10 points, level with Kaizer Chiefs but ahead on goal difference — a margin that ultimately proved decisive in the race for the last-eight places.

The final Group D standings see Zamalek top with 11 points, Al Masry second on 10, Kaizer Chiefs third also on 10, and Zesco United bottom with three.

For Zamalek and Al Masry, attention now turns to the quarter-final draw and the prospect of continuing their continental campaigns.