By Capital Watch Media
Enyimba International FC of Aba suffered a 3-1 defeat against Zamalek SC of Egypt on Sunday, marking their elimination from the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup.
The match, held at the Cairo International Stadium, concluded the group stage campaign for both teams.
Enyimba’s defeat, their third in six games, left them third in Group F with five points. Zamalek secured the top spot with 14 points.
Enyimba’s position had already been precarious after a 1-1 draw at home against Al-Masry in their penultimate fixture.
The result left them needing a win in Cairo to stay in contention for the quarter-finals.
Zamalek’s veteran midfielder Shikabala opened the scoring in the 29th minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance by the Egyptian side.
Seifeddine Jaziri added to the hosts’ tally with a brace in the second half, scoring in the 48th and 57th minutes to put the game out of Enyimba’s reach.
Enyimba’s captain, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, offered a glimmer of hope with a 63rd-minute goal.
However, Zamalek’s well-drilled defence held firm to maintain their lead and secure the victory.
In the other Group F fixture, Al-Masry claimed a 3-1 win over Black Bulls of Maputo, ensuring their qualification for the quarter-finals.
Fakhreddine Youssef scored a hat-trick, propelling Al-Masry to second place with nine points.
Youssef’s first goal came in the 22nd minute, with a second strike just before half-time giving his side a comfortable lead.
He completed his treble in the 47th minute, effectively sealing the match.
Black Bulls’ Rume Akporoh managed a consolation goal in the 57th minute, but the Mozambican side finished bottom of the group with just three points.
Reflecting on their campaign, Enyimba’s coach, Stanley Eguma, admitted the team fell short of expectations.
“We came with high hopes but couldn’t deliver when it mattered most,” Eguma said after the match.
Zamalek’s coach, Patrice Carteron, praised his team’s performance and resilience throughout the group stage.
“The players have shown great determination, and this result underlines our ambition to win the competition,” Carteron said.
Both Zamalek and Al-Masry will now await the quarter-final draw, with the potential for an all-Egyptian clash in the later stages.
For Enyimba and Black Bulls, the focus shifts back to their domestic leagues after an underwhelming continental campaign.
Zamalek’s qualification reinforces Egypt’s strong presence in African club football, a trend that could continue into the knockout rounds.
The next stage promises thrilling matchups as teams vie for a place in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals.
