Zamalek take slim lead over Belouizdad in Confederation Cup semi-final

Zamalek SC moved a step closer to the CAF Confederation Cup final after edging CR Belouizdad 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final clash in Algiers.

Juan Bezerra’s first-half goal proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, handing the Egyptian side a valuable away win ahead of the return leg in Cairo.

Belouizdad started brightly and controlled large spells of the game, but struggled to convert their dominance into clear chances. The hosts came close when Meziane struck the post, signalling their attacking intent.

Zamalek, however, made their moment count. A long delivery from Ahmed Fatouh confused the Belouizdad defence, allowing Bezerra to react quickest and fire home in the 28th minute.

The Algerian side pushed hard after the break, hitting the woodwork again and seeing a goal ruled out for handball following a VAR review. Despite sustained pressure, they were unable to break through, with goalkeeper Mahdi Suleiman producing a key late save.

The result gives Zamalek a narrow advantage, but with the tie still open, Belouizdad will need a strong response in Cairo to keep their final hopes alive.

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