Zamalek failed to go beyond the group stage in the CAF Champions League after slumping to a 1-0 defeat to Zimbabwe's Dynamos, who booked a last-four berth. Substitute David Shoko, who was introduced late in the game, scored the winner one minute from time. Zamalek had no choice but to win to stand any chance of advancing to the semis for the first time since 2005. But they produced an awful display in Harare to miss out on securing passage to the next round. Ahli, who progressed as Group A leaders, will be accompanied by Dynamos to the competition's semis. The Red Devils will face Nigeria's Enyimba while Dynamos tackle Coton Sport of Cameroon. Zamalek skipper Ayman Abdul-Aziz, who returned from suspension, wasn't included in the starting line-up for unknown reasons. Ahmed Abdul-Raouf partnered Mohamed Aboul-Ella in the heart of Zamalek's midfield. Dynamic playmaker Mohamed Abdullah supported attacking duo Junior Agogo and Sherif Ashraf, with the latter replacing the suspended Gamal Hamza. Despite needing a win to book their place in the Champions League semis, Zamalek failed to threaten Dynamos goal in the first half. They were even lucky not to fall behind on several occasions. Edward Sadomba should have put Dynamos in front in the first minute when he went clear on goal but he blasted poorly wide.
Al-Sayed heroics were not enough Zamalek had to thank goalkeeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed for keeping their hopes alive. The 31-year-old goalie superbly blocked two Dynamos efforts from point-blank range. Five minutes before the break, the hosts saw a fierce drive cannon off the woodwork. Al-Sayed Heroics Dynamos maintained their complete domination in the second period. They capitalized on Zamalek's slack defending to mount serious threats. But Al-Sayed's brilliance prevented Dynamos from taking a deserved lead. A superb reflex saw him parry Benjamin Marere's free header six minutes after the restart. Al-Sayed, who regained his status as Zamalek's first-choice guardian following Mohamed Abdul-Monsef's lackluster displays, blocked a handful of clear-cut chances afterwards. Zamalek coach Reiner Hollmann introduced Mostafa Gaafar and Abdul-Halim Ali in a bid to improve his side's attacking display. The White Knights' only goalscoring opportunity came through veteran striker Ali three minutes from time. He sidestepped a defender on the edge of the area to manufacture space for himself but his shot flew high over. Al-Sayed was finally beaten just before the end when Shoko's free-kick sailed over the wall and went into the top corner of the net.
