Mazembe heap more Champions League misery on winless Zamalek

Zamalek suffer a third consecutive defeat in the Champions League Group B after a 2-0 defeat at TP Mazembe of the DR Congo on Saturday

Zamalek's hopes of reaching the African Champions League semi-final were dealt a major blow following a 2-0 defeat by TP Mazembe that left them without a single point in Group B.
The White Knights, playing their first game under caretaker coach Ismail Youssef following the resignation of Hassan Shehata, are unlikely to book a last-four berth after suffering a third consecutive loss.
They appeared out of sorts against a determined Mazembe side, who were roared on by an enthusiastic crowd in Lubumbashi.
Two second-half goals from Ngandu Kasongo and Mbwana Samata condemned Zamalek to another defeat that left them at the bottom of the group with no points.
Mazmbe have four points, on level with Ghana's Berekum Chelsea who face group leaders Ahly (six points) later on Saturday.
Zamalek, who won the last of their five Champions League titles in 2002, have not qualified for the competition's semis since 2005.
Dour half
Chances were few and far between in a dour and cautious first half, with Mazembe slightly gaining the upper hand with an early goal-scoring opportunity.
The hosts almost went ahead as early as the fifth minute but were denied by a superb stop from Zamalek keeper Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed, whose one-handed save thwarted a close-range header from Zambian forward Rainford Kalaba.
With three defensive-minded midfielders and only one playmaker in their starting line-up, Zamalek lacked spark to trouble Mazembe's defence, which was barely threatened throughout the game.
Zamalek could not withstand a Mazembe onslaught after the break that exposed their defensive fragility and helped the four-time African champions to a deserved win.
The Cairo side's only genuine chance fell to towering striker Ahmed Gaafar, whose low shot was blocked at the near post by Mazembe keeper Muteba Kidiaba in the 57th minute.
With Zamalek's backline nowhere to be seen, El-Sayed had to deal himself with a barrage of Mazembe attacks.
A volley from the unmarked Tresor Mputu went over the crossbar and Samata fired wide with the goal at his mercy before El-Sayed pulled off a stunning save to block a powerful shot from Patrick Ochan.
Mazembe's pressure paid dividends in the 70th minute when a mis-hit shot found Kasongo, who slotted home from close range after Zamalek's defence failed to clear a corner.
Samata ensured the victory seven minutes later with a far-post header after connecting with a deep cross from the left.
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