CAF CL semi-finals: Zamalek earn valuable away win over Raja

Zamalek have defeated Raja Casablanca 1-0 at the Mohamed V Stadium in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals.

Both sides had a slow start to the game having spells of possession in the opening 15 minutes without creating any real threat on goal.

However, it was the visitors Zamalek who surprisingly opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the game through Achraf Bencharki.

Ahmed Sayed Zizo dashed on the right-hand side and produced a sublime cross that met a lurking Bencharki, who rose high above the defender and the goalkeeper’s hand to nod home a fine header.

Raja’s reply came just three minutes before the break as Soufiane Rahimi’s header forced a good save from Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal.

Abou-Gabal was the hero for Zamalek as he managed to keep his side in the game after saving a few dangerous opportunities for Raja in the second half.

With this victory, Zamalek will now go into the second leg with a one-goal cushion as they play Raja again next Saturday.

It’s worth noting that Al Ahly beat Wydad 2-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals and could set up a Cairo derby in the Champions League final if Zamalek overcome Raja.

©Kingfut.com