Zamalek ease past Dekedda to reach TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage

Zamalek sealed their place in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a routine 1–0 win over Somalia’s Dekedda in Cairo on Friday, completing a commanding 7–0 aggregate victory in the second preliminary round.

Already 6–0 up from last week’s first leg away, the White Knights managed the return comfortably at Cairo International Stadium and were rarely troubled as they saw out the tie.

The only goal arrived on 36 minutes when Seifeddine Jaziri converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to reward Zamalek’s early pressure.

With the cushion of a six-goal aggregate lead, the hosts controlled the tempo through patient possession and steady recycling from midfield, while full-backs picked their moments to push on without exposing the back line.

Zamalek’s best chance to extend their lead came just past the hour, but the home side  squandered a penalty in the 64th minute, after Mohamed El-Sayed effort was saved by the goalkeeper.

That miss summed up a difficult evening for the Egyptians, who were expected to completely dominate the game after their impressive first leg showing.

A handful of late half-chances were repelled by the visiting keeper to keep the scoreline narrow, but the outcome was never in doubt.

The Egyptian side’s 7–0 aggregate triumph underscores their early-season sharpness and defensive discipline, following the 6–0 away win in the first leg.

Attention now turns to the group-stage draw, where Zamalek’s blend of control, set-piece threat and clean-sheet habit will make them a dangerous proposition.

Zamalek will know their group opponents on Monday, 03 November 2025 when the Group Stage Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup is held.