Bencharki brace paves the way for Zamalek first win
Published:
Egyptian giants Zamalek returned to winning ways in group A of the 2019-20 CAF Champions League, defeating their Angolan visitors Primeiro de Agosto 2-0 in the Cairo based Al Salam Stadium on Saturday evening.
Zamalek obtained their first group points to go second behind DR Congo's TP Mazembe who tops the group with six points after beating their Zambian hosts Zesco United 2-1 earlier on the day. Zesco and Primeiro de Agosto follow in that order with a point each.
Moroccan import Achraf Bencharki claimed himself as Zamalek'd hero of the night, scoring in each half to give The White Knights victory over Primeiro de Agosto who finished the game with ten men, as Ibukun Akinfenwa recieved his marching orders for a second yellow card after 71 minutes.
The visitors had the first chance of the game when Ary Papel shot was stopped by Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awwad in the first six minutes.
Bencharki gave Zamalek the lead at the quarter hour mark, connecting well to Youssef Obama long pass.
The hosts had the upper hand for almost all of the game, and started the second half from where they finished the first.
Bencharki completed his brace in style, scoring with an amazing shot from outside the area after 68 minutes.
Three minutes later the visitors were dealt a blow when Akinfenwa recieved them red card for a second bookable offense.
Zamalek will lock horns in back to back fixtures with Zesco, while Primeiro faces leader TP Mazembe in the coming match days.
