Travis Mutyaba’s Zamalek defeat Berkane to lift 2nd CAF Confederations Cup

Zamalek fans celebrated late into Sunday night after their team triumphed over Morocco’s RS Berkane to win Africa’s second most prestigious club competition.

The Cairo-based club clinched the trophy on aggregate. Heading into the second leg at Cairo International Stadium, Zamalek was trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Morocco a week earlier.

Striker Ahmed Hamdi scored for Zamalek in the 23rd minute, leveling the tie and securing the title for the Egyptians on away goals.

The team started very strongly, and we could have scored more goals in the first half,” said the Portuguese tactician.

African football deserves recognition for the quality of this final, and we won because we stayed focused.”

Gomes also reserved special praise for the impact of Zamalek’s vociferous home support at the Cairo International Stadium.

The fans were unbelievably fantastic,” he beamed. “They drove the players on and were our extra man.”

Gomes who only took over in February, is now setting his sights on more continental success by targeting the 2023 CAF Super Cup against either Al Ahly or Esperance.

This victory marks Zamalek’s second Confederations Cup title. Their first came in the 2018/2019 season, also at the expense of Berkane, who they defeated in a penalty shootout.

Ugandan Teenager has made only two appearances in the CAF Confederations Cup this season, all signs prospects are showing he will be a vital member of the squad next season. 

RS Berkane, who have also won the trophy twice, pushed hard for an equalizer but faced a setback when defender Hamza el Moussaoui received a straight red card for a late foul.

Despite being down a man, Berkane continued to launch relentless attacks, but Zamalek’s defense held firm to secure the victory.