Zamalek secured a narrow 2-1 victory over AS Port of Djibouti on Friday evening in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at Cairo Stadium. The Egyptian giants showed enough to advance but left defensive vulnerabilities exposed ahead of the second meeting on 12 September, also in Cairo.
The White Knights dominated the opening stages, with Shikabala Banza breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute through a display of individual flair. The Angolan winger darted into the box from the left flank, sending in a dangerous cross that caught goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi off-guard. As the keeper failed to claim the delivery, Mohamed Shehata reacted quickest to tap home the loose ball into an empty net.
Banza Adds Second as Zamalek Extend Lead
Zamalek doubled their advantage in the 36th minute through a set-piece routine. Ahmed Abdel Rahim swung a corner from the right wing, and Banza rose majestically above his marker to direct a glancing header past Sobhi into the left corner. The winger's movement and finishing showcased why he remains a key creative outlet for the Egyptian side in continental competition.
Port of Djibouti pulled one back midway through the second half, capitalizing on a critical defensive lapse. Ahmed Khedri's careless pass in midfield was intercepted immediately, allowing Mahdi Hussein Mahabi to burst through and fire a composed finish beyond Sobhi. The goal sparked late pressure from the visitors but Zamalek held firm to secure the advantage heading into the return fixture.
For Zamalek, the victory keeps them on track for the group stage, yet the backline's uncertainty will demand urgent attention. Port of Djibouti showed enough attacking threat to suggest the second leg offers no guarantees, particularly if the Egyptian defence continues to invite such costly mistakes.
