A first minute strike from Benin international Razak Omotoyossi was enough for Zamalek to secure a 1-0 home win over Africa Sports in the CAF Champions League round of 32 first leg.
In a game staged behind closed doors at the Military Academy Stadium, Omotoyossi’s goal after 43 seconds made the difference to give Zamalek a slender lead ahead of the return leg in two weeks.
The game was halted at half time for around 18 minutes after the visiting team protested against the presence of unauthorized reporters in the stands.
Early goal
Without any introduction, Omotoyossi was off the mark with his first touch when he controlled Shikabala’s cross inside the area to outjump the keeper before slotting home in an empty net.
Africa Sports sole chance of the half came when Desire Kouame fired a fierce long range drive that missed the target.
Amr Zaki, back from injury to boost Zamalek’s attack, could have doubled his side’s advantage but was unlucky to see his close-range effort agonizingly hit the bar.
The second half was halted for more than 15 minutes before the referee ordered all unauthorized attendants to leave the reporters’ stands.
Zamalek keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed was called into action once in the game, only stopping a venom-less volley from inside the area after the break.
On the other hand, the Africa Sports keeper denied Zaki from scoring a vital second goal before producing a superb save to thwart another long range effort from Nour Al-Sayed.
