Zamalek solidified their dominance in Group A of the CAF Confederation Cup with a resounding 3-1 victory over Nigeria’s Enyimba at the Cairo International Stadium. This win capped off a successful group stage campaign for the Egyptian giants, who had already secured top spot and a place in the knockout stages prior to the match. Enyimba, on the other hand, entered the game needing a victory to keep their hopes of qualification alive. However, they were ultimately outclassed by a superior Zamalek side, bringing an end to their continental aspirations for this season.
The match unfolded with Zamalek asserting their control early on. Mostafa Shalaby opened the scoring in the 29th minute, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Enyimba’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow shortly after halftime when Seifeddine Jaziri doubled Zamalek’s advantage. A glimmer of hope emerged for the Nigerian champions when Ifeanyi Ihemekwele pulled a goal back in the 57th minute, but Jaziri’s second goal, just three minutes from time, extinguished any chance of a dramatic turnaround.
In the other Group A match, Al Masry secured their qualification for the knockout stages with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Black Bulls Maputo. Fakhreddine Ben Youssef was the star of the show, scoring a first-half hat-trick to ensure his team’s progression. These results meant that Enyimba finished outside the qualification places, ending their quest for a first-ever CAF Confederation Cup title. Their elimination marks another disappointing continental campaign for the eight-time Nigerian champions, who have historically enjoyed considerable success in African club competitions, including two CAF Champions League titles.
Enyimba’s exit from the CAF Confederation Cup shifts their focus back to domestic competition. With the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) set to resume on January 23rd, the People’s Elephant will be aiming to channel their continental disappointment into a successful domestic campaign. Their first match back will be a crucial encounter against former champions Kano Pillars, setting the stage for a challenging but potentially rewarding season. Enyimba will be looking to build upon their impressive record of eight NPFL titles, using their continental setback as motivation to reclaim domestic dominance.
The club’s elimination from the Confederation Cup underscores the challenges faced by Nigerian clubs in recent years in continental competitions. While Enyimba boasts a rich history of success in Africa, including their two Champions League triumphs, they have struggled to replicate that form in recent seasons. Their quest to become the first Nigerian club to lift the Confederation Cup will have to wait for another year. This latest setback provides an opportunity for reflection and reassessment as they seek to regain their prominence on the continental stage.
As Enyimba turns their attention to the NPFL, they will be looking to leverage their squad’s experience and talent to mount a serious title challenge. The league resumption provides a fresh start and a chance to put the disappointment of the Confederation Cup behind them. The encounter against Kano Pillars will serve as an early litmus test of their domestic ambitions. A strong performance and a positive result could provide the impetus needed for a successful NPFL campaign and a potential ninth league title, reaffirming their status as one of Nigeria’s premier football clubs.
