Nigerian Okoye scores to give Masry CAF Cup edge over Simba
A late goal by Nigerian John Okoye sealed a 2-0 win for Al Masry of Egypt over Simba of Tanzania on Wednesday in a lively CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final first leg.
His fortunate 89th-minute strike in Suez was initially ruled offside, but VAR officials intervened to award the goal.
Guinean goalkeeper Moussa Camara parried a cross only for the ball to hit substitute Okoye and rebound into the net.
It came against the run of play as Simba had dominated the second half with Congolese Elie Mpanzu impressive down the left flank, but the visitors were let down by poor finishing.
They had a genuine appeal for a penalty midway through the second half rejected after Cameroonian Leonel Ateba appeared to be fouled by Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad.
Masry, seeking a second semi-final appearance after losing to V Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018, went ahead on 16 minutes through Algerian Abderrahim Deghmoum.
His speculative shot from outside the area bounced just before reaching Camara and flew into the net.
If Masry survive the return match in Tanzania on April 9, they could face title-holders Zamalek in an all-Egyptian semi-final.
Chasing a record-equalling third triumph in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League, Zamalek drew 0-0 with Stellenbosch of South Africa in a dull Cape Town duel.
The Cairo club rarely threatened to score until Moroccan Seifeddine Jaziri came close after 85 minutes.
- Stellenbosch hold Zamalek -
His close-range header was brilliantly parried by goalkeeper Sage Stephens and struck the post before trickling to safety.
Competing in Africa for the first time, Stellenbosch were given little chance, even at home, against rivals who have won 13 CAF titles, a record bettered only by fellow Egyptians Al Ahly.
But the South Africans matched their opponents, and contained star Zamalek winger Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed until his pace and footwork created trouble in the closing stages.
Renaissance Berkane of Morocco, another club hoping to equal the record three titles of CS Sfaxien of Tunisia, won 1-0 away to ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast in Abidjan.
Substitute Imad Riahi netted after 75 minutes as the 2025 Moroccan champions won for the eighth time in nine CAF matches this season.
A team coached by Tunisian Mouine Chaabani drew the other match, and have conceded only once in 810 minutes.
Former African champions ASEC finished with 10 men after David Koffi was sent off having been shown two yellow cards in two minutes soon after Berkane scored.
USM Alger, winners of the 2023 Confederation Cup, also finished a man short, but held on for a 1-1 draw at fellow Algerian side CS Constantine.
Mounder Temine put first-time qualifiers Constantine ahead on 29 minutes and Kevin Mondeko levelled on 73 minutes.
Salim Boukhanchouche was cautioned a second time just two minutes later and dismissed.
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