Zamalek triumph over Ahly in dramatic Super Cup penalty shootout

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Zamalek clinched the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over arch-rivals Al Ahly, following a 1-1 draw at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

The "White Knights" held their nerve in a tense shootout, ultimately winning 4-3 to lift their fifth Super Cup title.

This victory marks a significant achievement for Zamalek, who have now claimed their fifth CAF Super Cup title. 

The game between the two Egyptian giants began with Al Ahly looking the more dominant side, and they took the lead in the 44th minute through Wessam Abou Ali. 

The forward calmly converted a penalty, sending the ball down the center of the goal after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Akram Tawfik by Zamalek’s Hamza Mathlouthi.

Despite going behind, Zamalek responded with resilience. The second half saw them steadily grow into the game, and their persistence paid off in the 77th minute.

Substitute Naser Mansy, who had been on the field for just one minute, capitalized on a well-delivered cross from Omar Gaber, leveling the score with a composed finish from close range.

The remaining minutes of regular time were a flurry of action and near-misses, with both teams pushing for a winner.

Al Ahly came close in the dying moments, but Rami Rabia’s header sailed over the bar, ensuring the match would be decided by penalties.

In the shootout, Al Ahly’s Yahia Attiyat Allah missed a crucial penalty, and Wessam Abou Ali’s shot hit the post, handing the advantage to Zamalek.

The "White Knights" converted four of their five attempts, with Hossam Abdelmaguid sealing the victory by calmly slotting his shot into the bottom left corner.