Ethiopias minnows send Zamalek out of CAF championship
Ethiopian debutants

Wondwosen Geremew BabsaTemesgen Duba Holeta, Abdulsamad andTeklu Tafese Kummascoring for the Ethiopian visitors.

It was the first time for an Ethiopian side to knock Zamalek from a CAF competition, as the White Knights poor recent continental record continued. Zamalek havent tasted continental glory since 15 years when they won the 2003 CAF Super Cup.

After losing the first leg 2-1 a fortnight ago in Hawassa, Zamalek seemed confident of overturning the resukt and qualifying to the next round in style. Ehab Galal side started the game on attacking note. Abdel Aziz fired Zamalek first shot after 8 minutes but Geremew Babsa parried it easily, before Mohamed Antars shot missed the target four minutes later.

Bassem Morsy should have given Zamalek the lead after 33 minutes when he rounded his marker and fired a shot that missed its target by a whisker.

Zamalek finally broke the deadlock just before halftime. Hazem Emams cross was handed by one of the visitors defenders inside the vital area, and Madbouly made no mistake from the spot to put the White Knights ahead as both sides went into the break.

Three minutes after the restart were enough for Madbouly to double his tally. The talented winger weaved through two defenders to send a curling shot into the net.

And while Zamalek thought it was going to be a goal festive, Abdulsamad Ali reduced the deficit after 52 minutes, when he headed home after Zamaleks goalkeeper Ahmed Elshennawy failed to hold a cross from Tafesse Kummas freekick.

Morsy was the one to blame again when he shot high after 56 minutes. With time passing Zamalek players looked nervous as they tried to score a vital third goal. Ghanaian Nana Poku shot directly at Babsa, before substitute Ayman Hefnys shot caused no trouble to the visitors goalkeeper.

The 90 minutes ended with aggregate score tied at 3-3, and it was to be decided by penalty shootout that smiled for the Ethiopian surprise pack. Debutants Wolaitta Dicha will wait for a relegated side from the premier club competition, while Zamalek were sent packing in one of the second tier club competitions biggest shocks.

*Published by CAF Online

Source: NAN