Zamalek began their CAF Champions League campaign with a nervy 2-1 victory over Djibouti’s AS Port in the first leg of the preliminary round at Cairo International Stadium.

Despite establishing a two-goal advantage during the first half, Zamalek conceded a goal that kept the tie open heading into the return fixture.

Shehata and Banza Give Zamalek the Advantage

Zamalek needed only six minutes to break the deadlock. Chico Banza produced a dangerous run from the left before sending the ball into the penalty area. The goalkeeper failed to clear it properly, allowing Mohamed Shehata to finish into the empty net.

Banza then turned from creator to scorer in the 36th minute, meeting a corner delivered by Ahmed Abdel Rahim with a header to double Zamalek’s advantage.

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AS Port responded through Mehdi Hussein Mohibi, who capitalized on a passing mistake by Ahmed Khodary, won possession and finished past Mohamed Sobhi to reduce the deficit.

Second Leg to Decide Qualification

Although Zamalek emerged with a 2-1 first-leg victory, the narrow margin means the tie remains alive and leaves little room for mistakes in the return match.

The second leg is scheduled for September 12 at Cairo International Stadium, with the first leg also played in Cairo despite being designated as AS Port’s home fixture.

Zamalek will now look to make their advantage count and secure qualification to the next round after taking an important, but far from decisive, step in their African campaign.