Zamalek beat Niger's Douanes to take first-leg advantage

Two goals either side of the interval hand Zamalek a 2-0 home victory over Niger's AS Douanes in the first-leg of the African Champions League preliminary round

Zamalek, enjoying a feverish atmosphere at a vibrant Cairo Stadium, claimed an easy 2-0 win at home to Niger's AS Douanes to take a first-leg advantage in the African Champions League preliminary round on Sunday.
Attacking midfielder Mohamed Ibrahim converted a first-half penalty and Moemen Zakareya doubled their lead with five minutes remaining after Zamalek had wasted a slew of second-half chances.
The Cairo giants, who are eyeing their first continental accolade since winning the last of their five Champions League titles in 2002, gave rookie coach Mido his third victory in four matches after he replaced Helmi Toulan last month.
They will be favourites to advance to the last 32 when they face Douanes in the second leg in Niger next Sunday.
Zamalek were supported by around 25,000 fans at Cairo Stadium after the Egyptian authorities temporarily lifted a crowd ban that has been in place since the army deposed Preisdent Mohamed Morsi last July amid mass protests against his rule.
The White Knights completely dominated possession in a slow tempo first half but they failed to muster a single genuine opportunity during the opening half-hour, despite playing with only one central midfielder to make room for other attacking-minded players.
The vibrant fans offered the only element of colour in an otherwise dull affair and they grew more vociferous once Zamalek opened the scoring on 33 minutes.
Youngster Mostafa Fathi was tripped by his challenger after he skipped past him in the area as the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Ibrahim calmly converted the penalty after wrong-footing the keeper.
Gamal debut
Former Ismaily winger Omar Gaber was introduced in the second half, making his debut and injecting some life into a lethargic frontline.
He could have opened his account early on but his looping effort was denied by the advancing keeper. He was also at the heart of most of Zamalek's attacking attempts as the hosts threw everything forward to increase their lead.
A towering free header by Ahmed Gaafar, who also came on as a second-half substitute, went just wide before his striker partner Ahmed Ali forced a fine save from the keeper with a snap shot from inside the area.
Gaafar linked up well with onrushing midfielders, with some neat exchange of passes helping Zamalek mount a late onslaught.
One of his headers saw Douanes keeper produce a superb reflex save to thwart him in the 82nd minute but Zakareya made amends shortly after to spark wild celebrations in the stands.
Gaafar laid off the ball to Zakareya with a wonderful back-heel and the latter made no mistake with a powerful low shot that went into the bottom corner.
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