CAF Confederation Cup: Zamalek reach final after holding Belouizdad in Cairo

Zamalek secured their place in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after a disciplined 0-0 draw against CR Belouizdad in Cairo on Friday, progressing 1-0 on aggregate following their first-leg victory in Algiers.

The Egyptian side will now feature in their third final in the competition—and a second in three seasons—after another assured defensive display extended their remarkable semi-final record.

Despite a lively start at Cairo International Stadium, neither side could find a breakthrough, with Zamalek’s organisation at the back proving decisive against a Belouizdad side that struggled to create clear chances.

The hosts began on the front foot, pushing early in search of a goal to settle the tie. However, Belouizdad responded with intent, as Abdelrahman Meziane tested the Zamalek defence inside the opening minutes.

Zamalek thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Abdallah El-Said headed home, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review, keeping the tie finely balanced.

Belouizdad came closest before the interval through Houcine Benayada, whose long-range effort drifted narrowly wide, as the first half ended without a goal.

The Algerian side increased the tempo after the restart, knowing a single goal would level the aggregate score.

Yet clear opportunities remained scarce, with their only shot on target arriving as late as the 81st minute—a reflection of Zamalek’s defensive control.

At the other end, Nasser Mansi led the attacking effort for the hosts, testing goalkeeper Farid Chaal and finishing as the game’s most active player with six attempts, while also contributing defensively with key duels and tackles.

Ali Ben Hammouda had a late chance to revive Belouizdad’s hopes, but his header sailed over the crossbar as frustration mounted for the visitors.

Zamalek held firm through five minutes of added time to complete a seventh consecutive clean sheet at the semi-final stage—an unprecedented run in the competition—and extend a broader sequence of defensive consistency that has underpinned their campaign.

Belouizdad, who had scored freely earlier in the tournament, exit the competition having failed to find the net in their last three matches, bringing a promising run to an end.

Zamalek will now face either Olympique Safi or USM Alger in the final, with the second semi-final set to be decided in Morocco on Sunday.