Zamalek secure valuable away draw against Otoho in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final

Egyptian giants Zamalek SC moved closer to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after battling to a 1–1 draw away to AS Otoho in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Saturday.

The encounter at Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville produced an intense contest in which both sides created several chances, but the result ultimately leaves Zamalek with a slight advantage heading into the decisive return match in Cairo.

With the away draw secured, the Egyptian side will only require a goalless result in the second leg at Cairo International Stadium on 22 March to progress to the semi-finals of the continental competition.

Early breakthrough for Otoho

The hosts made a bright start and opened the scoring after just 13 minutes through Charles Atipo, whose well-struck free-kick from outside the penalty area beat the Zamalek defence and gave the Congolese side an early lead.

Otoho’s goal lifted the home crowd and briefly put Zamalek under pressure as they attempted to settle into the match.

Zamalek had a chance to respond shortly afterwards when forward Oday Dabbagh found himself in a promising position in the 17th minute, but the opportunity went begging.

The hosts continued to threaten and nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later when a dangerous ball was delivered from the right flank, forcing Mohamed Ibrahim to intervene with a crucial defensive clearance inside the six-yard box.

Zamalek respond before the break

Despite the early setback, Zamalek gradually gained control of possession and began to apply pressure on the Otoho defence.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Ahmed Rabie played a precise through pass into the penalty area. Al-Dabbagh reacted quickly and finished with a first-time strike that found the back of the net to restore parity.

The Egyptian club continued to push forward and nearly took the lead before half-time when Chico Banza surged down the right wing and delivered a dangerous cross across the face of goal, narrowly evading the incoming attackers.

Zamalek also appealed for a penalty in the 41st minute after Ahmed Fatouh went down inside the area, but the referee waved play on following a VAR check.

Chances at both ends

The second half remained open, with both teams creating opportunities to seize the initiative.

Mohamed Ibrahim came close to scoring early after the restart when he intercepted the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but his attempt was blocked by a defender.

Moments later, Seifeddine Jaziri had the ball in the net, only for the assistant referee to rule the goal out for offside.

Zamalek continued to search for a winner, with Jaziri attempting an acrobatic scissor kick that sailed over the crossbar, while Otoho also threatened through Grace and Boboa in a series of quick counterattacks.

The home side created another promising opportunity in the 64th minute when Atebo found space inside the box, but his shot flew over the goal.

Late drama

Both teams pressed for a decisive goal in the closing stages.

Juan Bezerra set up Mohamed El Sayed with a well-timed pass inside the penalty area in the 74th minute, but the forward’s effort drifted wide.

Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi then produced an important save late in the match after a dangerous cross from Atipo nearly caught him out.

In stoppage time, Otoho came close again when Grace unleashed a powerful strike that narrowly missed the right post.

The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought draw that leaves the tie finely balanced, though Zamalek will feel confident heading into the second leg on home soil with the advantage of an away goal.