Late fightback not enough as Kaizer Chiefs fall short on goal difference in Egypt

Amakhosi needed at least a draw from their trip to North Africa for their final pool stage game, but it was not to be, as two second-half goals from Juan Bezerra and Abdallah El Said proved enough to send the hosts through at Chiefs' expense.

The visitors did pull one back via Glodly Lilepo shortly after Zamalek went 2-0 up, but they could not find an equaliser in the final 15 minutes.

It was an agonising exit for Chiefs, who finished level on points with their opponents on the night, but one goal behind on goal difference.

The match itself saw Chiefs under pressure for long spells, particularly in the first half, as Zamalek dominated possession and created several chances. Brandon Petersen was called into action on more than one occasion to keep the score level at the break, with Chiefs largely forced to defend deep but showing composure despite the hostile atmosphere.

Zamalek’s pressure finally paid off early in the second half when Juan Bezerra headed home to give the hosts the lead, before Abdallah El Said doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish inside the box in the 72nd minute.

Chiefs responded positively and were rewarded when Glodly Lilepo powered in a header from a corner just three minutes later to keep their qualification hopes alive.

In the closing stages, Chiefs threw men forward in search of the crucial equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options, but they were unable to break down a disciplined Zamalek defence, as the final whistle confirmed a painful end to their African campaign.