Zamalek SC 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi exit CAF CC after narrow defeat

Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of progressing to the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals came to a frustrating end after a 2-1 defeat to Zamalek SC in their final Group D match, Afrik Foot reports.

Despite a late strike from Makabi Lilepo, the South African giants could not overturn the deficit, leaving Al Masry to advance on goal difference after both clubs finished the group stage with 10 points.

🏆 ℂ𝔸𝔽 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕗𝕖𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ℂ𝕦𝕡 🏆

Al Masry 🇪🇬 join The White Knights 🇪🇬 in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC quarterfinal draw.

Not to be for Amakhosi ✌️ this time around.#SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/l0PtXwRIKY

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 14, 2026

Zamalek v Kaizer Chiefs: Stalemate at half-time

The match began at a cautious pace, with both sides probing for openings but failing to break the deadlock in the first half.

Chiefs defended resolutely, frustrating the hosts’ attacking attempts, while Zamalek looked dangerous on the counter.

By the 49th minute, the scoreboard still read 0-0, reflecting the tight nature of the contest.

Bezerra and El Said Put Zamalek in Control

The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Juan Bezerra opened the scoring for Zamalek.

The Brazilian striker capitalised on a defensive lapse from Chiefs, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune to make it 1-0.

Chiefs tried to respond immediately, with Sirino seeing a powerful strike blocked in the 62nd minute, but Zamalek maintained their composure.

In the 72nd minute, Zamalek doubled their lead through Abdallah El Said, who fired home a precise finish that left the Amakhosi defence flat-footed.

At 2-0, the hosts appeared to have taken full control of the match, and Chiefs’ task of securing the crucial point for quarterfinal qualification became increasingly difficult.

Lilepo’s Late Goal Offers False Hope

Kaizer Chiefs refused to go down quietly. In the 75th minute, Lilepo pulled one back, converting a chance after a sustained period of pressure from the visitors.

The strike reignited hope among Chiefs’ fans, but it was ultimately too late. Zamalek held firm in the closing stages, ensuring a 2-1 win and sealing Kaizer Chiefs’ exit from the competition.

Implications for the Group

The defeat leaves Kaizer Chiefs with 10 points in Group D, the same as Al Masry. However, the Egyptian side’s superior goal difference saw them advance to the quarterfinals, while the South African giants are left to reflect on what might have been.

The loss also marks a disappointing end to a campaign that promised more for Amakhosi, who showed glimpses of quality but ultimately fell short in key moments.