Al Masry sink ZESCO in five-goal thriller to pile pressure on Kaizer Chiefs and Zamalek

Kaizer Chiefs head into Saturday’s crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group D clash with Zamalek knowing the pressure is firmly on their shoulders. Al Masry’s 3–2 away victory over ZESCO United on Friday has blown the group wide open, leaving the Egyptians top with six points from two matches and forcing Chiefs to respond.

The Port Said side struck early in Ndola through Mohamed Hashem, and although ZESCO equalised almost immediately via Freddy Kouablan, Al Masry regained control before half-time through Mounder Tenime. A decisive third from Abderrahim Deghmoum midway through the second half proved enough, despite a late fightback from the hosts.

That result means Al Masry are flying at the summit, while Zamalek sit second on three points with a game in hand. Chiefs, however, remain rooted to the bottom without a point after last weekend’s defeat in Port Said. With ZESCO also winless, Saturday’s showdown between Chiefs and Zamalek is now pivotal: victory would reignite Chiefs’ campaign, but defeat would leave them staring at an uphill battle to qualify.

The stakes could not be higher. Chiefs must find a way to break their duck and keep pace with the Egyptian duo, or risk being cut adrift in a group already showing signs of ruthless competition.