Cairo clubs Al Ahly and Zamalek start CAF Confederation Cup in style

Al Ahly and Zamalek were both winners over the weekend as Africa's second tier competition, arguably more star-studded than the Champions League this time around, kicked off.

Egyptian fans cheer on Zamalek in their CAF Confederation Cup win over CS Sfaxien on Saturday. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters / June 27, 2015

Egyptian club Al Ahly produced their best international performance for years to thump Tunisian side Esperance 3-0 at the weekend in matchday 1 of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Abdallah Said scored in each half of a Group A showdown between two of the most successful and popular African football clubs.

And substitute Moamen Zakaria completed the rout at the Suez Army Stadium with a stoppage-time third goal for the title-holders.

Said bagged his double with unstoppable shots past goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia after 19 and 58 minutes and Zakaria netted four minutes into additional time.

Even the second half red-carding of captain Hossam Ashour for elbowing an opponent off the ball did not disrupt the rampant Cairo giants.

The handsome victory propelled Ahly, winners of a record 19 CAF titles, to the top of the table on goal difference from another Tunisian club, Etoile Sahel.

Etoile, the only club to win all five CAF competitions, edged Malian club Stade Malien 1-0 in Sousse through a second-half goal from Baghdad Bounedjah.

Both Group B games delivered 1-0 victories for former African champions.

A late Abdoulaye Cisse goal earned Cairo’s other major club, Zamalek, victory over another Tunisian side, CS Sfaxien, while Happy Jele scored as Orlando Pirates of South Africa won away to AC Leopards of Republic of Congo in Dolisie.

Ahly coach Fathy Mabrouk hailed his team after an unexpectedly wide winning margin in a game staged behind closed doors because of ongoing post-Arab Spring security concerns.

“We played a very good game, both physically and technically,” said the successor to Spaniard Juan Carlos Garrido.

The European was sacked when Ahly failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage and were demoted to the second-tier Confederation Cup.

“We studied Esperance well and the players did what I told them to do.

“To start the group stage with a victory like this gives us confidence to defend our title in style.

“I have to praise my players, especially Abdallah Said, who was awesome. He is an exceptional footballer.”

Playing under French coach Jose Anigo for the first time, Esperance lacked seven regulars due to captain Oussama Darragi disappearing, injuries, suspensions and a bizarre airport incident.

Ahmed Akaichi was sent home as the squad were about to board a plane to Egypt with conflicting reports about the reason.

The official line was “disciplinary reasons” after the footballer argued with a supporter at a training session.

But some media believe Akaichi was being punished for refusing to extend his contract.

Matchday 2 fixtures are scheduled for July 10-12.

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