Zamalek's slender hopes of getting past the CAF Champions League group stage are up in the air after succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at Mazembe. The Whites highlighted their worst-ever start in Africa by losing for the third game running, despite an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed. Mazembe's first-ever victory over an Egyptian opponent lifted them up to second place behind leaders Ahli, who host Berekum Chelsea later on Saturday. Zamalek have no points at the bottom. Mazembe vs. Abdul-Wahed! The highlight of an evenly-balanced first half was a brilliant save from Zamalek skipper Abdul-Wahed, who parried away Rainford Kalaba's fifth minute header. After the break, Mazembe came on firing on all cylinders after the interval as a great chance for Tresor Mputu was followed by two terrific saves from Abdul-Wahed, with Zamalek looking totally out of sorts. But the goalkeeping stalwart could do nothing to foil substitute Isaac Kasongo's close-range strike seconds later. Minutes later, Mbwana Samata - who scored against Ahli in Cairo - put the game to bed when he capitalized on Sabri Rahil's poor marking to head home his side's second and virtually oust the five-time-African champions from the group stages.
