Zamalek have managed to keep their semi-final qualification chances alive after overcoming South Africa's Orlando Pirates 2-1 at home in the Champions League on Sunday. Egypt midfielder Ahmed Eid gave the hosts an early lead from the spot before striker Lennox Bacela drew level on 33 minutes. Defender Salah Soliman, who was partly responsible for Pirates' equalizer, headed the crucial winner on 51 minutes to win it for Zamalek. Despite the precious win, Zamalek are still rock bottom of Group A after levelling on four points with Leopards, who were defeated by Ahli a day ago. It was, however, the five-time champions' first group victory in 14 matches, stretching back from 2008. Rare and priceless goal Zamalek went ahead in as early as the sixth minute when Eid converted home a spot kick after Shikabala had been tripped by skipper Lucky Lekgwathi inside the area. Pirates, however, managed to equalize when Bacela brilliantly dribbled past defender Soliman before hitting a low shot at the near post to deceive keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed, who was curiously stranded in goal. The hosts needed just six minutes after the break to take the lead again, with Soliman making amends for the goal his side conceded when he rose to head home a superb Omar Gaber corner. The home fans had to endure a nervous ending to the game, with the South Africans piling up pressure as the on-fire Bacela forced a terrific save from Abdul-Wahed near the end.
